The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities and the Federal University of Lafia (FULafia) have strengthened their partnership to promote inclusive education and improve accessibility for persons with disabilities.
The collaboration was renewed during a courtesy visit by NCPWD Executive Secretary, Hon. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, to the university.
The visit highlighted FULafia’s commitment to inclusivity through the establishment of its Centre for Disability Studies, which is designed to sensitise stakeholders on the importance of inclusion and accessibility while ensuring persons with disabilities are recognised as valuable members of the academic community.
During the engagement, Gufwan emphasised the need for university policies to be non-discriminatory and disability-friendly.
He cited the example of a successful professor in a wheelchair, stressing that students with physical disabilities can excel in all professions, including medicine, if given equal opportunities.
“There is ability in disability. Every Nigerian student is qualified to study any course, regardless of their ability,” Gufwan said.
The Vice Chancellor of FULafia, Professor Shehu Abdul-Rahman, welcomed the NCPWD delegation and reiterated the university’s commitment to inclusivity.
He noted that the institution considers persons with disabilities as major stakeholders in its development and places their needs at the heart of university policies.
Discussions explored areas of collaboration, including the development of a National Access to Work Scheme for persons with disabilities.
The Commission expressed interest in working closely with the Centre for Disability Studies to advance advocacy and research in disability inclusion.
A notable proposal was raised to incorporate sign language as a compulsory General Studies course across all universities.
This initiative is expected to enhance communication between persons with hearing impairments and the wider population, thereby strengthening national inclusivity.
Gufwan also introduced key policy documents and frameworks, which the Commission plans to share with FULafia.
These include the Procedure for Inclusion and Access for Persons with Disabilities in Pre-Tertiary Education, and the Framework for the National Access to Work Scheme for Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria.
The renewed partnership between NCPWD and FULafia is expected to serve as a model for other universities in Nigeria, advancing the cause of inclusive education and equal opportunities.
The collaboration comes as Nigeria continues efforts to improve accessibility and inclusion for persons with disabilities in higher education institutions across the country.