Union Bank of Nigeria has thrown its weight behind inclusive education by sponsoring a mathematics competition specifically designed for deaf students, organised by the Ajofa Special Education Foundation for the Deaf. The event took place at the Wesley School for the Hearing Impaired in Surulere, Lagos, and was themed ‘Impacting Deaf Students and Life with Mathematics in Nigeria’.
The initiative, backed by UnionCares, the bank’s Corporate, Sustainability, and Innovation Initiative, reflects Union Bank’s continued commitment to inclusivity in education. According to a statement released by the bank on Tuesday, the competition was aimed at closing educational gaps and empowering students with hearing impairments to excel in academics—particularly in mathematics, a subject often perceived as challenging, even among the hearing population.
Ten students from different schools within and outside the deaf community in Lagos competed in the event. It was attended by representatives from Union Bank, the Lagos State Education Board, school principals, and teachers. The competition provided an opportunity for the deaf learners to showcase their intellectual potential and academic capabilities.
Olufunmilola Aluko, Chief Brand and Marketing Officer at Union Bank, described the event as an embodiment of the bank’s vision of inclusive development. “At Union Bank, we believe that development must be inclusive. That’s why, through our UnionCares initiative, we continue to invest in meaningful partnerships and platforms like this,” she said. “The students we saw today are proof that disability is not inability. They are mathematicians, thinkers, and problem-solvers whose wisdom whispers and reshapes the world positively.”
The founder and Executive Director of the Ajofa Special Education Foundation for the Deaf, Francis Ajomiwe, speaking through an interpreter, expressed gratitude to Union Bank for its support. “Through the Foundation, we are contributing our share to the overall goals of enhancing the educational experience and developing the deaf community,” Ajomiwe said. “We have remained committed to organising education programmes and projects that benefit deaf learners.”
The Lagos State Education Authority also had representatives at the event. Bukunola Famakinwa, from the Authority’s school support section, commended the initiative, noting its significance for deaf learners. She stressed that although deaf students face unique challenges, with the right approach and support, they can excel in mathematics and contribute meaningfully to society. Famakinwa added, “Mathematics is not just a subject; it is a tool that empowers learners to make informed decisions, solve problems, and fully participate in society.”
At the end of the competition, Samuel Megbodofo emerged as the winner, with Tomilola Shonubi and Opeoluwa Saka finishing in second and third place, respectively. The top three participants received branded gifts and prizes from Union Bank, while all other students, teachers, and participants were also acknowledged with branded items in appreciation of their involvement and efforts.
The competition underscores the importance of intentional efforts to create equal opportunities for all learners, regardless of physical challenges. Union Bank’s support signals a growing awareness in the corporate sector of the need to invest in platforms that promote diversity and inclusivity.
