The Management of Kwara State Polytechnic has awarded a full scholarship to Miss Maryam Zakariyau, a Higher National Diploma (HND I) Marketing student living with a disability, in a move aimed at ensuring she completes her education despite financial challenges.

The scholarship, which also includes a monthly living stipend, was announced by the Rector of the institution, Abdul Mohammed, during a visit by representatives of students with special needs.

Maryam, who had been on the verge of withdrawing from her studies due to severe financial hardship, described the intervention as a life-changing opportunity that has restored her hope of completing her academic programme.

According to the rector, the scholarship forms part of the inclusive welfare initiatives championed by AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to improve the lives of persons with disabilities across the state.

He reaffirmed the institution's commitment to promoting inclusive education, stressing that no student should be denied access to quality education because of financial limitations.

Abdul Mohammed explained that Maryam's situation deeply moved the management, leading to the immediate approval of the scholarship. Beyond covering her tuition, the institution also approved a living stipend to cater for her daily expenses throughout the duration of her studies.

The rector further assured students with disabilities that the management would continue to consider their concerns and introduce more welfare initiatives aimed at improving their academic experience and overall well-being on campus.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiary and the Spinal Cord Injuries Association of Nigeria, Abdulazeez Muideen, a student of the polytechnic, expressed appreciation to the management for its prompt and compassionate intervention.

He described the scholarship as a life-changing gesture that has relieved Maryam and her family of a significant financial burden.

Muideen also appealed to the institution to implement additional measures to support students with disabilities, including improved accessibility to campus facilities, enhanced academic support services, and the approval of a formal association for students with disabilities to promote their welfare and advocacy on campus.

The initiative underscores Kwara State Polytechnic's commitment to inclusive education and equal opportunities, reinforcing the institution's resolve to ensure that every student, regardless of physical ability or financial background, has the opportunity to achieve academic success.