Biology Senior Elected World Literacy Foundation Youth Ambassador

Biology Senior Elected World Literacy Foundation Youth Ambassador

Favour Ohaezu is an advocate for access to education.

"Growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, we were always told readers are the leaders of tomorrow, which is true," Ohaezu said. "But I also noticed that there was no access to education, especially those who are living in low-income places."

Her passion for literacy and education opportunities led her to the World Literacy Foundation, where she was recently named a 2025 Youth Ambassador.

"When I was chosen, I felt grateful and honored because improving literacy is a cause very close to my heart," she said. "The chance to help ensure that every young individual, regardless of geographic location, has access to books and educational supplies filled me with both joy and a strong sense of responsibility. Being a Youth Ambassador reminds me that one person alone can only do so much, but together with other ambassadors around the world, we can make a greater impact. I believe readers are the leaders of tomorrow, and by helping one child read today, that child can go on to help others, multiplying the impact across communities."

The program trains and encourages young people around the world to become literary advocates and generate change in their communities. Ohaezu will work alongside more than 500 other ambassadors internationally, including 80 within the United States.

A senior studying biology with a minor in chemistry, Ohaezu wants to use her field to promote better education for those studying healthcare.

"I knew that I wanted to make a change and help my community and other low-income countries know or have access to healthcare and educational literacy," Ohaezu said. "The first steps to having health literacy is by learning to read and write, which is where my passion for reading comes into play."

This passion led Ohaezu to UToledo, where she was able to pursue research opportunities available to first-year students.

"I wanted to pursue experiences unavailable in my home country and knew that gaining research experience abroad would be invaluable for my future goals," she said. "My experiential learning, especially in research, has been incredibly rewarding. Coming from Nigeria, a country with limited research equipment and resources, to being able to conduct research at an R1 institution has been an amazing opportunity."

Kennedy Doro, associate professor in the department of environmental sciences, said Ohaezu is an engaged student who constantly seeks new growth opportunities.

"Favour is truly an exceptional student with intellectual curiosity, diligence and commitment to academic excellence. Beyond her outstanding academic performance, Favour is engaged in research, an area where she continues to learn and contribute," Doro said. "As an international student with the additional challenge of missing her family and trying to integrate into a community different from home, Favour has not only excelled in her academics and integrated into her community, but she is also actively seeking opportunities to give back to the community."

Ohaezu is also the vice president of the African People's Assocation, a pre-med student ambassador in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and was nominated to serve on the Dean's Advisory Council.

After graduating in Dec. 2025, Ohaezu said she plans to pursue a master's degree before attending medical school.

"My greatest success at The University of Toledo has been growing as a leader and as a person," Ohaezu said. "My experiences have shown me that stepping outside my comfort zone can open doors I never imagined possible. Toledo has truly become my home far away from home."