As part of its ongoing commitment to inclusive education and social justice, the International Ford Foundation Fellowship Program Alumni Network (IFFPAN) has expanded its scholarship program to support six pupils of the FCT School for the Deaf, Kuje.
Following a transparent selection process, one pupil was chosen from each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, ensuring equity, gender balance, and regional spread. Importantly, the minimum requirement for inclusion in IFFPAN’s scholarship selection database register is academic excellence.
Beyond financial aid, the program also includes continuous monitoring of the pupils’ academic progress to ensure that they maintain strong performance throughout their studies.
Crucially, the scholarship is designed to support beneficiaries through to the completion of secondary school and beyond, with the goal of ensuring they have equal opportunities to access higher education like their peers. As we have noted, one of the greatest challenges persons with disabilities (PWDs) face is not just completing secondary school but answering the critical question of “what next?”. This intervention is therefore geared to guarantee that deaf pupils are not left behind but instead equipped to pursue university, polytechnic, or other higher education qualifications.
To strengthen this initiative, IFFPAN is also encouraging parents and guardians of deaf pupils to take advantage of opportunities offered by the school to learn sign language. By doing so, families can communicate more effectively with their children, provide stronger emotional support, and reinforce learning beyond the classroom. This family-centred approach helps children build confidence and fosters deeper connections with loved ones.
Over the past months, the IFFPAN Executive Committee has made several visitation meetings with the school principal and leadership team, during which key needs were identified:
- Funding support to ease the burden on pupils and their families.
- Institutional strengthening to enhance the school’s delivery of inclusive education.
- Capacity-building for teachers and staff to equip them with modern tools and training.
During these visits, IFFPAN also initiated the formalisation of its partnership with the FCT Universal Basic Education Board (UBE Board) and the school’s leadership to ensure a sustainable framework that goes beyond one-off interventions.
“This is more than a scholarship; it is a statement of solidarity with deaf pupils and their teachers. We are committed to ensuring that no child is left behind because of disability or circumstance,” said Dr. Ijeoma Anthonia Onyeahialam, President of IFFPAN.
The scholarship program underscores IFFPAN’s mission to advance equity, education, and social justice, empowering young learners with disabilities to thrive, complete their education, and realize their full potential.
