The Centre for Infrastructural and Technological Advancement for the Blind (CITAB) has commended the governments of Borno and Plateau states for their recent investments in educational infrastructure, describing the projects as an opportunity to build a truly inclusive education system rather than mere aesthetic upgrades.
The commendation was contained in a statement by CITAB’s Executive Chairman, Jolomi George Fenemigho, who noted that the establishment of new secondary schools, inauguration of the High Islamic College in Fikiyel, and the TETFund-supported expansion at Plateau State University (PLASU) reflect a strong commitment to academic development.
CITAB, however, cautioned against focusing solely on physical expansion without addressing accessibility challenges that often exclude students with visual impairments.
Fenemigho stated that while modern facilities and renovated buildings may attract public attention, the true measure of progress lies in whether all students, including the visually impaired, can fully access and benefit from them.
“You can have the grandest vision in town, but the real test is whether everyone can participate. The critical question is whether these new schools and renovations are usable by all students, or only appealing to those who can see them,” he said.
CITAB stressed that inclusion should not be treated as an afterthought, warning that infrastructure development without embedded accessibility features limits long-term impact.
The organisation outlined specific recommendations for both state governments, including the admission of visually impaired students into newly established schools and colleges as part of the mainstream campus population, rather than segregating them.
It also called for the provision of modern assistive learning technologies at the High Islamic College and the PLASU Medical Faculty, including refreshable Braille displays, AI-powered scanners and accessible digital learning tools.
In addition, CITAB urged that renovated administrative buildings, such as the PLASU Senate Building, be designed to enable blind students and staff to navigate independently and safely. The group further advocated for inclusive curricula and learning resources to ensure that no student is disadvantaged by inaccessible systems.
“As these states move to showcase their new educational assets, true progress must be measured by how inclusive those spaces are,” Fenemigho said. “An open and accessible school environment is essential to guarantee equal opportunities for all students, whether sighted or visually impaired.”
CITAB reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate with state governments and relevant stakeholders to ensure that educational development in Borno and Plateau goes beyond appearances and delivers meaningful inclusion.