By Uboh-Ekong Treasure
In a landmark gesture of inclusion and academic empowerment, the Lateefat Odunuga National Scholarship Foundation has awarded scholarships worth ₦2.1 million to five students with disabilities at Lagos State University (LASU).
The presentation ceremony, held on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at the Vice-Chancellor’s Conference Room, Babatunde Raji Fashola Senate Building, LASU Main Campus, brought together the university’s top management, scholarship recipients, and representatives of the Foundation
In addition to the scholarships, the Foundation announced a ₦2 million endowment for the best graduating female students in the Department of Psychology. The endowment aims to encourage academic excellence, inspire female students in the discipline, and strengthen competition in the pursuit of distinction.
The beneficiaries are Praise Onoigboria, Dominion Uzoma, Rachel Oladosu, Paul Hunga, and Nosiru Idowu were celebrated for their exceptional academic performance, with Cumulative Grade Point Averages (CGPAs) ranging from 3.71 to 4.35. They were accompanied by Mrs. Bukola Afolami-Arojojoye, Deputy Registrar of LASU’s Disability Support Office.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji Bello, mni, NPOM, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Adenike Boyo, commended the Foundation, describing its support as “more than charity, but empowerment and equity in action.” She affirmed that initiatives such as this reaffirm the right of every student regardless of circumstance to learn and thrive.
Speaking virtually, the donor and founder, Ms. Lateefat Odunuga, an alumna of LASU’s Department of Psychology, explained that the initiative was inspired by her personal journey and a commitment to give back to her alma mater. She emphasised that the scholarship and endowment are designed to celebrate resilience, inspire excellence, and build a culture of inclusivity and opportunity for future generations.
Prof. Rafiu Okuneye, Director of LASU’s Directorate of Advancement (LASUDA), whose office facilitated the award process, described the support as a vital boost for students with disabilities, whose journeys often require extraordinary resilience.
Delivering a vote of thanks on behalf of the recipients, Praise Onoigboria expressed deep gratitude to the Foundation, describing the scholarship as a “beacon of hope” that would allow beneficiaries to focus more fully on their academics.
The event was attended by representatives of the Lateefat Odunuga National Scholarship Foundation, led by Barr. Deji Folson, alongside Mr. Olatunde Ayodele, Mr. Olanrewaju Aluko, Mr. Olajide Kadri, and Mr. Kabiru AbdulKareem. LASU’s Registrar, Mr. Emmanuel A. Fanu, formally closed the ceremony with a vote of thanks.
This initiative marks another step in LASU’s ongoing efforts to foster an inclusive academic environment while encouraging a tradition of giving back among its alumni community.
