The Aisha Bada Scholarship

In partnership with LASU Life and with the blessing of Aisha’s family, we’re proud to announce the annual Aisha Bada Scholarship. This scholarship will award Lagos State University students pursuing a career in photography with a grant of $500 USD.

We’re looking for LASU students who embody Aisha’s kindness and spirit and will use this grant to pursue photography with the same passion and drive that Aisha had.

“Owning a professional camera has been my dream since I got into photography, and I am so happy that this scholarship made this dream come to fruition.”

—Isabel Isitua, 2024 Aisha Bada Scholarship Recipient

“Receiving this scholarship is not just an affirmation of my hard work and dedication, but it also opens up new doors and opportunities for me. It provides me with the financial support I need to pursue my goals and sets me on the path to a brighter future. I want to take this opportunity to thank Black Women Photographers for their trust in me and for giving me this incredible opportunity.”

—Abdulbasit Bhadmus, 2023 Aisha Bada Scholarship Recipient

In honor of Aisha Bada

Aisha Bada was a medical student at Lagos State University College of Medicine who told compelling stories of medical patients through photography.

She died on January 8th, 2022.

Aisha's initial focus in photography was taking street images before deciding to specialize in what she called "Medical Documentary.” She described medical photojournalism as an avenue to tell "visual stories that would create awareness of various environmental, medical, and health issues.”

Furthermore, Aisha said she chose to study medicine, so she could be of help to her grandfather and do a project about his experience with dementia.

Her photographs have been exhibited at exhibitions in Denver, Colorado, Brooklyn, New York, and Lagos, Nigeria. In 2021, she received an award from LASU as the Best Photographer of the Year and was recognized by The Guardian in that same year.