The Nigerian federal government has set a bold goal to enroll 825,000 students with disabilities over the next five years, reaffirming its commitment to inclusive education. This announcement came from Dr. Yusuf Sununu, the Minister of State for Education, during the First Africa Regional Conference on Equal Opportunity of Access to Higher Education.

Dr. Sununu highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by persons with disabilities in accessing education and economic opportunities, despite substantial efforts to improve equality in learning and employment across Nigeria. He urged all tertiary institutions to admit candidates with disabilities who achieve the minimum required scores in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

In a progressive move, it was announced that candidates with disabilities would be exempt from post-UTME screening, following JAMB’s approval at the recent National Council on Education meeting.

Focus on Infrastructure and Support

The Minister emphasized that discussions should extend beyond merely providing access to higher education; they should also encompass the economic empowerment that comes from education. He stated, “As we work towards the realization of inclusive education, we must provide the necessary physical and digital infrastructure to support various access and learning needs of all students.”

Dr. Sununu called for enhanced accessibility on campuses, including the provision of teaching aids such as braille materials, sign language interpreters, and digital resources tailored to different learning styles. He acknowledged that the barriers to education for persons with disabilities are compounded by societal stigmas, physical limitations, and institutional challenges. However, he also noted that when these barriers are removed, individuals can thrive, showcasing their brilliance and creativity.

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Collective Responsibility

The Registrar of JAMB, Professor Is-haq Oloyede, urged the federal government to adopt Nigerian Sign Language (NSL) as a second national official language, advocating for the needs of the large population of individuals with hearing impairments. He pointed out that the inaugural Africa Regional Conference on Equal Opportunity of Access to Higher Education (ARCEAHED) serves as a vital platform for stakeholders to gather insights on advancing inclusive education.

Oloyede also called for the establishment of a supportive services center for persons with disabilities in each geopolitical zone, working alongside the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD). This center would facilitate access to appropriate technology and policies, making education more accessible for individuals with special needs.

He concluded by emphasizing that “Education remains the cornerstone of self-actualization,” and it is the collective responsibility of society to ensure everyone has access to higher education, regardless of their abilities.