The Opeoluwa Sotonwa Foundation (OSF), an international nonprofit dedicated to transforming lives through education, mentorship, and advocacy, proudly unveils the recipients of its 2025 scholarships and fellowships. Now in its third year, OSF continues to scale its mission of empowering Nigeria’s Deaf and hard-of-hearing community—driving leadership, excellence, and inclusive progress.
Founded in 2022, OSF is grounded in the belief that the Deaf community holds extraordinary leadership potential that must be nurtured and showcased on the world stage. The 2025 cohort of scholars exemplifies resilience, innovation, and a vision for change—reminding us that education is both a right and a catalyst for global impact.
Opeoluwa Sotonwa Foundation Scholars This core category represents OSF’s foundational commitment to supporting Deaf and hard-of-hearing students across Nigeria who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to community service. These scholars reflect the diverse fields of study in which Deaf and hard-of-hearing leaders are emerging.
• Wakine Tsokwa — Sociology, Taraba State University, Jalingo
• Ogbara Baiz Oriyomi — Special Education, Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo
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• Oviesu Eunice Omoadoni — Special Education/Mathematics, Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo
• Jude Augustine — Geology and Mineral Science, University of Ilorin
• Kwet Katbam Maxwell — Special Education, Federal University of Education, Pankshin
• Hamza Yahaya — Special Education/English, Federal College of Education, Technical, Gusau
• Aminat Oyewumi Sanusi — Business Administration, University of Ilorin
• Abubakar Sani — Special Education, Bayero University, Kano
• Nuhu Abbas Sulaiman — Special Education, Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education, Kumbotso
• Pendosoji Esther Mauyon — Business Education, Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo
• Ani Dorathy Ifesinachi — Economic Education, Peaceland College of Education, Enugu
• Danladi Richard Macham — Community-Based Rehabilitation & Social Empowerment, Federal University, Lafia
• Odudu Odeme James — Political Science, University of Calabar
• Abdulsalam Adams Babatunde — Mathematics Education, Kwara State University
• Oluwadarasimi Precious Arowolo — Economics, Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo
• Lateef Olamilekan Sanni — Economics, Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo
• Odusanya Kayode Temitope — Physics, University of Ilorin
• Atibile Blessing Osowookie — Tourism, University of Calabar
• Luka Longji Nshall — Special Education/Social Studies, Federal University of Education, Pankshin
• Bashiru Lekan Rokeeb — Economics, Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo
• Kabiru Olalekan Ahmed — Educational Management, University of Ilorin
• Goodluck Chisom Ukpaka — Politics and Governance, Kwara State University
• Makanjuola Boluwatife Oyebola — Adult Education, University of Ilorin
• Fatima Mama Aliyu — Educational Guidance and Counselling, University of Ilorin
Most Outstanding Scholars 2025
Introduced this year, the Most Outstanding Scholars (Male and Female) represent the pinnacle of academic and leadership achievement. These individuals exemplify extraordinary resilience, dedication, and service to their communities.
• Samuel Agulue Obiora — Medicine and Surgery, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Male Awardee)
• Raheem Mutiyat Oreoluwa — Microbiology, University of Ilorin (Female Awardee)
Voices Beyond Sound for Social & Business Leadership Awards In partnership with Greg and Annette Hudson, this award supports Deaf and hard-of-hearing college students in the Fields of Sociology and Business. It recognizes the power of leadership, resilience, and innovation, extending beyond traditional communication, and honors students who will shape inclusive futures in the social sciences and business.
• Gbemisola Margaret Fabowale — Social Science Education, University of Ilorin
• Alpha Dimaska — Sociology, Taraba State University, Jalingo
• Matthew Favour Anietie – Business Education, Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo
• Ogundele Islamiyyah Titilope — Business Education, University of Ilorin
Konyinsola Ajayi Fellowship (Law)
This flagship fellowship honors Professor Konyinsola Ajayi, SAN, and has expanded to include all Law students with disabilities. It reinforces OSF’s belief that a diverse legal profession is critical to advancing justice and inclusivity.
• Kamaldeen Olawale Awwal — Law, University of Ilorin
• Njelita Amala Emmanuel — Law, University of Calabar
• Frank Akpore — Law, Ambrose Alli University
“The Opeoluwa Sotonwa Foundation is honored to champion these remarkable scholars whose resilience and brilliance redefine leadership,” said Dr. Opeoluwa Sotonwa, Founder of OSF. “By creating pathways to higher education and beyond, we are not only investing in individual futures—we are building a more inclusive, equitable world.”
For more information about the Opeoluwa Sotonwa Foundation and its programs, visit www.opeoluwasotonwafoundation.org
About the Opeoluwa Sotonwa Foundation
The Opeoluwa Sotonwa Foundation (OSF), established in 2022, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to unlocking the leadership potential of Nigeria’s Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities. Through scholarships, fellowships, mentorship programs, and advocacy initiatives, OSF empowers students with disabilities to pursue academic excellence and become transformative leaders worldwide.
