The Opeoluwa Sotonwa Foundation (OSF), an international nonprofit dedicated to education, mentorship, and advocacy, has announced the recipients of its 2025 scholarships and fellowships, reinforcing its mission to empower Nigeria’s Deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
Now in its third year, the Foundation continues to scale its global impact, investing in young leaders who embody resilience, innovation, and a vision for inclusive progress.
Founded in 2022, OSF is built on the belief that the Deaf community holds extraordinary leadership potential that must be nurtured and recognized. This year’s awards span multiple categories, from its core scholarships to new leadership prizes and fellowships in law.
2025 OSF Scholars
The core scholarship category continues to support Deaf and hard-of-hearing students across Nigeria who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to community service. The 25 recipients for 2025 are:
1. Wakine Tsokwa — Sociology, Taraba State University, Jalingo
2. Ogbara Baiz Oriyomi — Special Education, Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo
3. Oviesu Eunice Omoadoni — Special Education/Mathematics, Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo
4. Jude Augustine — Geology and Mineral Science, University of Ilorin
5. Kwet Katbam Maxwell — Special Education, Federal University of Education, Pankshin
6. Hamza Yahaya — Special Education/English, Federal College of Education (Technical), Gusau
7. Aminat Oyewumi Sanusi — Business Administration, University of Ilorin
8. Abubakar Sani — Special Education, Bayero University, Kano
9. Nuhu Abbas Sulaiman — Special Education, Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education, Kumbotso
10. Pendosoji Esther Mauyon — Business Education, Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo
11. Ani Dorathy Ifesinachi — Economic Education, Peaceland College of Education, Enugu
12. Danladi Richard Macham — Community-Based Rehabilitation & Social Empowerment, Federal University, Lafia
13. Odudu Odeme James — Political Science, University of Calabar
14. Abdulsalam Adams Babatunde — Mathematics Education, Kwara State University
15. Oluwadarasimi Precious Arowolo — Economics, Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo
16. Lateef Olamilekan Sanni — Economics, Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo
17. Odusanya Kayode Temitope — Physics, University of Ilorin
18. Atibile Blessing Osowookie — Tourism, University of Calabar
19. Luka Longji Nshall — Special Education/Social Studies, Federal University of Education, Pankshin
20. Bashiru Lekan Rokeeb — Economics, Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo
21. Kabiru Olalekan Ahmed — Educational Management, University of Ilorin
22. Goodluck Chisom Ukpaka — Politics and Governance, Kwara State University
23. Makanjuola Boluwatife Oyebola — Adult Education, University of Ilorin
24. Fatima Mama Aliyu — Educational Guidance and Counselling, University of Ilorin
25. Odudu Odeme James — Political Science, University of Calabar (already listed under 13, but remains part of the 25 total)
Most Outstanding Scholars
Introduced this year, the Most Outstanding Scholars Award honors two students for exceptional academic and leadership achievement:
Samuel Agulue Obiora — Medicine and Surgery, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Male Awardee)
Raheem Mutiyat Oreoluwa — Microbiology, University of Ilorin (Female Awardee)
Voices Beyond Sound Leadership Awards
In partnership with Greg and Annette Hudson, this award supports Deaf and hard-of-hearing students in sociology and business. The 2025 recipients are:
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. The 2025 fellows are:
Kamaldeen Olawale Awwal — Law, University of Ilorin
Njelita Amala Emmanuel — Law, University of Calabar
Frank Akpore — Law, Ambrose Alli University
Commitment to Inclusive Leadership
Speaking on the announcement, Dr. Opeoluwa Sotonwa, founder of OSF, said: “The Opeoluwa Sotonwa Foundation is honored to champion these remarkable scholars whose resilience and brilliance redefine leadership. By creating pathways to higher education and beyond, we are not only investing in individual futures—we are building a more inclusive, equitable world.”
About OSF
The Opeoluwa Sotonwa Foundation (OSF), established in 2022, is a nonprofit organization committed to unlocking the leadership potential of Nigeria’s Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities. Through scholarships, fellowships, mentorship, and advocacy, OSF equips students with disabilities to excel academically and emerge as transformative leaders on the global stage.
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