Ibukunoluwa Omotola - Turning Barriers Into Bridges for Young People with Disabilities

Ibukunoluwa Omotola’s journey is one defined by resilience, faith, and a deep commitment to inclusion. Born a bubbly, curious child in Lagos, Nigeria, she began walking at nine months old and learned letters and numbers almost as soon as she could talk. Her parents dreamed of her early school success. But life shifted dramatically just after her first birthday.

At fifteen months, Ibukunoluwa fell ill. A hospital visit resulted in an injection for malaria. Her mother recalls noticing something unusual about the syringe, but kept quiet after a nurse dismissed her concerns. Hours later, her daughter returned home with a dangerously high fever and could no longer see, hear, or walk. Multiple hospital visits yielded no clear explanation. Some suggested misdiagnosis, wrong medication, or overdose; others even offered spiritual reasons. For her family, the uncertainty was deeply painful. Overnight, their joyful child faced a radically altered life.

Doctors warned her parents that it would take a miracle for her to walk again, though there was slight hope for her sight and hearing. Many advised special schooling, while others said that educating her would be a wasted effort. Her parents refused to accept this. Believing in her potential, they insisted she attend a regular school. With the support of a compassionate nursery school owner, Ibukunoluwa learned alongside children without disabilities, who did not use braille, sign language, or assistive tools. Her other senses strengthened as she adapted and found her own ways to engage with the world.

By the age of three, Ibukunoluwa had regained her hearing, and by five had regained her sight and was walking again, though with limitations. Her right leg never fully recovered, leaving her with mobility challenges and a limp. But she carries this experience as proof that “nothing is impossible.” Her belief is unwavering: “Every child, regardless of disability, can learn with the proper support.”

Her early schooling was not without hardship. One painful memory remains vivid: a time when her mother found her being cleaned in an unsafe, degrading way at school after an accident. Her mother considered removing her from school permanently, but was persuaded otherwise by the school owner’s insistence that Ibukunoluwa must continue learning. That moment became a defining one—it shaped her deep empathy for children with disabilities who face discrimination and maltreatment while accessing education.

Through her schooling years, Ibukunoluwa excelled despite systemic barriers. Fondly named igi-iwe — the “tree of books” in Yoruba, she consistently topped her class. She represented her school at state and national mathematics, essay writing, and debate competitions. Teasing from peers became fuel for resilience, and she learned to reframe challenges as opportunities to prove her abilities.

Joining the university introduced new trials, and mobility barriers were prevalent: buildings lacked ramps, staircases were steep, and facilities were inaccessible. One moment stands out: arriving late to a biology lab after climbing multiple flights of stairs, only to be denied entry. Overwhelmed, Ibukunoluwa called her mother, ready to quit. Her mother’s words changed everything: “Imagine your future if you give up now.” That conversation became her turning point. The next day, with her family’s support and the advocacy of a university staff member who became her guardian, she secured accessible transportation and continued her studies.

She graduated with a degree in Computer Science, determined to turn her personal challenges into a mission for change. She worked as a software developer on projects that tackled education gaps, health monitoring, and access to learning resources. But Ibukunoluwa wanted a more profound impact — to use data to address the root causes of systemic inequities. That led her to apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh, where she was subsequently selected to pursue a Master of Science in Data, Inequality, and Society. The scholarship program provided the perfect platform for her to combine her technical skills with her passion for social impact.

At Edinburgh, she worked as a Web Accessibility Analyst, ensuring digital services were inclusive for all. She also co-founded UWEZO, an AI-powered platform that helps young people with disabilities transition into new environments by connecting them with accessible spaces, opportunities, and community support. Her motivation is personal—growing up with mobility challenges taught her how isolating new environments can be. Her vision is to scale UWEZO across universities and communities, transforming the way disabled youth access opportunities and feel a sense of belonging. Her work has already earned recognition, including the “Most Purpose-Driven Business Idea” award at the Edinburgh Innovations PowerHerUp pitch competition and a seed fund from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Entrepreneurship Fund.

Away from her work, Ibukunoluwa enjoys cooking, travelling, and spending time with family and friends. Laughter, she says, is a constant companion—whether from comedy shows or shared moments with loved ones.

Ibukunoluwa’s dream is clear: to create a world where education and opportunities are accessible, with dignity, to all, especially children with disabilities.

"My journey taught me that nothing is permanent — every challenge can change, every barrier can be overcome, and every dream can begin with a single step," says Ibukunoluwa.

Ibukunoluwa Omotola is a software developer, accessibility advocate, and Mastercard Foundation Scholar. Through her work, she is building UWEZO, a platform that empowers young people with disabilities to access, inclusion, and independence — transforming their lived experiences into lasting change.