Dr. Ifeoma Bibiana Okoli is a remarkable woman who has overcome her visual impairment to achieve academic excellence. She recently became the first visually impaired woman to earn a PhD from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria’s premier university, and the first in her home state of Anambra. She also made history as the first student with special need to earn a PhD in the Special Persons Club, University of Ibadan, and the second visually impaired woman from St.Josephs Centre for the Visually Handicapped, Obudu, Cross River State to earn a PhD degree.
Dr. Okoli was not born blind. She developed a degenerative eye disease called Retinitis Pigmentosa when she was eight years old, and gradually lost her sight until she had to drop out of school in 1985, while writing her final examination in secondary school. Her parents tried to find a cure for her condition, but none was available. She went through a period of denial, grief and pain, until she enrolled at St. Joseph Rehabilitation Centre for the Blind, where she learned the skills that enabled her to pursue her education.
Dr. Okoli resolved to follow her academic dreams to the highest level possible. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Education from Ebonyi State University in 2006, her Master’s degree in Educational Management from University of Ibadan in 2012, and her PhD in Educational Management from the same university in 2021. She was supervised by Prof Ikechukwu Ambrose Nwazuoke.
Dr. Okoli’s achievement is inspiring and motivating for many people, especially those with disabilities or special needs. She has shown that nothing is impossible with determination, resilience and hard work. She has also contributed to the body of knowledge in her field of study, and hopes to use her research findings to improve the educational system in Nigeria.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are about 39 million people who are blind and 253 million who have some form of vision impairment globally. In Nigeria, there are about 4.25 million people who are visually impaired, according to a 2018 report by Sightsavers Nigeria. These people face many challenges and barriers in accessing education, health care, employment and social inclusion. Dr. Okoli’s story is a testament to the potential and value of people with disabilities, and a call for more support and opportunities for them.
We at Rising Africa, would like to celebrate Dr. Ifeoma Okoli for her amazing achievements. You are truly awesome! You are truly a Rising African and an able role model for the new African. Rising Africa is a dynamic platform that highlights the remarkable achievements of Africans worldwide and provides up-to-date information on scholarships and sponsorships available to African youth. Our vision is to inspire and empower the next generation of African leaders by showcasing the diverse accomplishments and talents of Africans across different fields, including technology, business, arts and culture, and social activism.
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