The Lagos State Scholarship Board has officially launched the Special Scholarship for Inclusion Awards, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at supporting students living with disabilities and other vulnerable groups across the state’s tertiary institutions.
EpeInsights report that the launch event, held at the Radio Lagos/Eko FM Multi-purpose Hall, drew government officials, stakeholders and beneficiaries together to mark a new chapter in educational support and social equity in Lagos.
This new scholarship scheme targets students in six Lagos State-owned institutions;
- Lagos State University (LASU)
- Lagos State University of Technology (LASUTECH)
- Lagos State University of Education (LASUED)
- Lagos State College of Health Technology (LASCOHET)
- Lagos State Cooperative College (LASCOCO)
- Lagos State College of Nursing (LASCON)
Delivering the keynote address, the Honourable Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mr. Tolani Sule, emphasized the state’s commitment to inclusiveness in education.
“What Mr. Governor is preaching is inclusion. That’s why we’re here today—to ensure no one is left behind in the pursuit of education in Lagos,” he said.
Mr. Sule further explained the rationale behind creating a distinct scholarship window for students with disabilities and those in vulnerable categories, noting that open competition for regular scholarships often places them at a disadvantage.
The Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Ope George, praised the initiative as a landmark move and the first of its kind since the Scholarship Board’s creation.
“While we’ve made major strides in infrastructure, this initiative is a clear shift to strengthening social protection,” he said.
He also highlighted how the new scholarship is aligned with the state’s broader social safety programs through collaborations with the Office of Civic Engagement and Lagos State Office of Disability Affairs (LASODA).
In her welcome remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Scholarship Board, Mrs. Rasheedat Adaranijo, expressed her pride in pioneering the special award.
“This marks a new journey for the Board—one that is fully in line with the administration’s inclusive agenda. For us, this is a statement that says: we see you, we value you, and we are here to support your academic dreams,” she said.
She also acknowledged the vital support of stakeholders, including LASODA’s General Manager Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, who reaffirmed the importance of the scholarship for PLWDs (People Living With Disabilities).
“There is ability in disability,” Oyetunde-Lawal stated passionately. “Use this opportunity to invest in your education and become changemakers in society.”
Representing the beneficiaries, Miss Yekini Bukola expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Lagos State Government.
“We are highly excited and grateful. This support means a lot to us,” she said on behalf of the awardees.
To top off the ceremony, each awardee received a scholarship letter and a cheque of ₦225,000, underscoring the state’s practical commitment to educational access and social protection.
