Union Bank of Nigeria, through its corporate social responsibility initiative, UnionCares, has taken a proactive step towards fostering inclusive education by sponsoring the Ajofa Special Education Foundation for the Deaf Mathematics Competition. Held at the Wesley School for the Hearing Impaired in Surulere, Lagos, the competition showcased the mathematical prowess of deaf students, challenging the pervasive misconception that disability equates to inability. Under the theme “Impacting Deaf Students and Life with Mathematics in Nigeria,” the event brought together students, educators, representatives from the Lagos State Education Board, and Union Bank officials, creating a platform to celebrate the intellectual capabilities of deaf learners and advocate for a more inclusive educational landscape. The competition underscored Union Bank’s commitment to investing in initiatives that promote equal opportunities for all, regardless of their circumstances.
The competition served as a testament to the potential that resides within the deaf community. Ten students from various schools, both within and outside the deaf community in Lagos, participated, demonstrating their mathematical skills and problem-solving abilities. The event was not merely a competition but a powerful statement about the importance of inclusive education and the need to create opportunities for learners with hearing impairments to thrive academically. By providing a platform for these students to shine, Union Bank and the Ajofa Foundation are actively working towards closing the gap in inclusive education and fostering a society where every individual has the chance to reach their full potential.
Olufunmilola Aluko, the Chief Brand and Marketing Officer at Union Bank of Nigeria, articulated the bank’s commitment to inclusive development, emphasizing that initiatives like the mathematics competition are crucial for creating a society where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Aluko praised the participating students, highlighting their resilience and determination to defy societal limitations. Her words echoed the sentiment that disability is not a barrier to achievement, and these students, through their participation, are rewriting the narrative surrounding deafness and demonstrating their capacity for intellectual excellence.
Francis Ajomiwe, the Founder and Executive Director of the Ajofa Special Education Foundation for the Deaf, expressed profound gratitude to Union Bank for their sponsorship, acknowledging the bank’s instrumental role in bringing the foundation’s vision to life. Through the foundation’s dedicated efforts in organizing educational programs and projects, Ajomiwe and his team are striving to enhance the educational experience and overall development of the deaf community. The mathematics competition stands as a prime example of the foundation’s commitment to empowering deaf learners and providing them with opportunities to showcase their talents.
Bukunola Famakinwa, representing the Lagos State Education Authority, emphasized the significance of the initiative for deaf learners, highlighting the unique challenges they face in accessing quality education, particularly in subjects like mathematics. She stressed that with appropriate support and tailored approaches, deaf learners can excel in mathematics and other academic disciplines, ultimately empowering them to become active and contributing members of society. Famakinwa’s presence underscored the importance of collaborative efforts between various stakeholders, including educational authorities, organizations, and the community at large, in creating an inclusive education system that caters to the specific needs of deaf learners.
The competition culminated in the recognition of three outstanding students: Samuel Megbodofo, Tomilola Shonubi, and Opeoluwa Saka, who secured the first, second, and third positions, respectively. These students received branded gifts from Union Bank, along with other prizes, acknowledging their exceptional performance. The remaining participants, along with their teachers, were also presented with branded gifts from Union Bank, ensuring that everyone involved in the competition felt appreciated and valued. The event served as a powerful reminder of the potential that lies within the deaf community and the transformative impact of inclusive education in empowering individuals to achieve their full potential.
