Dr. Vitalis Osuji Elected to First Literacy Board of Directors

First Literacy is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Vitalis Osuji, M.D. MPH, to the board of directors. Dr. Osuji moved to the United States from Nigeria when he was 18 years old. When he arrived, he spoke only a few words of English but was filled with hopes of a better life and determination to achieve his end goal of becoming a doctor. A First Literacy scholarship helped pave the way.

“I am looking forward to being a part of the board,” Osuji said. “I believe literacy is foundational to individual opportunity, economic mobility, and community empowerment; and I can’t wait to contribute my skills to advancing First Literacy’s mission.”

Dr. Osuji resides in Ludlow and is a General Surgery Resident Physician at UMass Chan Medical School – Baystate. Dr. Osuji joined the First Literacy Board effective July 1, 2026, and will serve alongside fourteen additional members of the board.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Osuji to the First Literacy Board of Directors,” said Terry Witherell, Executive Director of First Literacy. “As a former First Literacy Scholar, Vitalis brings a unique perspective and a deep understanding of the transformative power of adult basic education. His personal journey and passion for our mission will make him a tremendous advocate for adult learners and an inspiration to those working to achieve their educational goals.”