Dyslexia advocacy in Nigeria – with Oladoyin Idowu

Content warning: This episode mentions physical and verbal abuse in school, suicidal ideation and a suicide attempt, and drug use.

Oladoyin Idowu is a pioneering dyslexia advocate and mental health professional dedicated to bridging the gap between neurodiversity, education, and mental well-being. Growing up in Nigeria with undiagnosed dyslexia, she experienced firsthand the challenges of navigating an education system that was not designed for neurodivergent learners. In 2016, she founded One Word Africa Foundation, becoming one of Nigeria’s foremost voices in dyslexia awareness and support.  

During this episode, you will hear Oladoyin talk about:

• What her life was like growing up with undiagnosed dyslexia in Nigeria
• How Google helped her realize that she had dyslexia as an adult in 2015
• The different issues that she has to deal with because of her dyslexia
• The story behind how she founded the One Word Africa Foundation in 2016
• How her experience with higher education changed after she went back to school after her dyslexia diagnosis
• The type of work that the One Word Africa Foundation does for people with dyslexia and their loved ones
• The connections that she has noticed between dyslexia and mental health

Connect with Oladoyin on LinkedIn or follow One Word Africa on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn.

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube.

Read the episode transcript.

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*Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*