By Lanre Oloyede
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, has lauded the British High Commission and the Chevening Secretariat for their commitment to ensuring inclusivity in the prestigious Chevening Scholarship.
Speaking at a workshop organized to support Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) applying for the Chevening Scholarship, Hon. Abba Isa described the event as a significant step towards empowerment and inclusive development for PWDs in Nigeria.
Represented by his Director Media and Communications, Lanre Oloyede, the Senior presidential aide stated that this platform represents an incredible opportunity for growth, knowledge exchange, and empowerment for PWDs in Nigeria.
The SSAP went on to highlight the vital role education plays in breaking down the barriers of marginalization, exclusion, and limited opportunities for PWDs.
The presidential aide commended the Chevening Scholarship for not only offering world-class education but also creating future leaders who can return to Nigeria and contribute to the nation’s socio-economic development.
Hon. Abba Isa underscored the importance of initiatives like the Chevening Scholarship in supporting PWDs, stressing that “The Chevening Scholarship is a beacon of hope for aspiring leaders. Its focus on leadership, networking, and educational excellence provides a unique pathway for individuals to not only further their academic and professional careers but also to return home and create transformative change in their communities.”
Reflecting on Nigeria’s progress, Hon. Abba Isa noted that the National Disability Act of 2018 provides a legal framework that ensures equal opportunities for PWDs.
He, however, emphasized that much work remains to be done, particularly in areas such as access to quality education and disability-friendly infrastructure.
The workshop, held at the British High Commission in Abuja, was designed to inform prospective Chevening candidates with disabilities about the application process and support systems available to them.
Since the inception of the Chevening programme in 1984 in Nigeria, nearly 20 alumni with disabilities have benefited from the scholarship, accessing inclusive education in the UK.
One such alumnus, Dr. Israel Balogun, shared his experience during the workshop, detailing the adjustments that helped him succeed in his studies in the UK. Balogun encouraged prospective candidates to take advantage of the same support systems available at their chosen universities.
In her remarks, the British Deputy High Commissioner, Mrs. Gill Lever, emphasized the importance of ensuring genuine inclusion for PWDs. “The UK champions opportunities like the Chevening award that offers equal access to education for some of the brightest minds to study, meet their passions, and bring those skills and experiences back to Nigeria,” she said. Lever also urged interested applicants to apply by the deadline of November 5, 2024.
In his remark, Barrister Ayuba Gufwan, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, expressed optimism about the mainstreaming of disability inclusion in both the Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships. He looked forward to seeing more PWDs secure these prestigious scholarships in the future.
Oluwafunmilayo Ladepo, Chevening Programme Officer, reaffirmed the programme’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, encouraging PWDs to apply without fear of discrimination.
With workshops like this, Isa noted, opportunities once out of reach are now accessible, enabling PWDs to take part in shaping Nigeria’s future. “Together, we can build a Nigeria where Persons with Disabilities are not just participants in development, but leaders of it,” Isa concluded.
The workshop is expected to inspire many more PWDs to apply for the Chevening Scholarship, continuing the legacy of empowering Nigeria’s brightest minds.
