The Lagos State University (LASU) Disability Support Office on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, joined the global community to commemorate the 2025 United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), themed “Fostering Disability Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress.”
As part of the celebration, the Disability Support Office held an awareness rally to sensitise members of the university community on disability inclusion. The march began and concluded at the Babatunde Raji Fashola Senate Building on the institution’s main campus in Ojo, Lagos.
Before the rally, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, represented by the Registrar, Mr. Emmanuel Fanu, addressed participants at the Senate Chamber. She underscored the importance of disability awareness and inclusive practices, stressing the value of creating a society where no one is left behind. The Vice-Chancellor highlighted LASU’s ongoing reforms, including strengthened policies, partnerships, the establishment of the Disability Support Office, inclusive education programmes, improved health services, and scholarship opportunities for students with special needs.
Reaffirming the institution’s dedication to inclusion, she restated LASU’s vision of prosperity, social harmony, safety, and freedom for persons with disabilities. She thanked stakeholders for their continuous support in advancing disability rights and ensuring equal access to opportunities.
Also speaking, the Head of the Department of Educational Foundations and Counselling Psychology, Professor Ife Abodunrin, commended the university’s commitment to inclusive education. He noted the creation of the Special Education Unit within the department three years ago, the admission of students with special needs into various faculties, and the provision of accessible facilities to support their academic success. He emphasised the need for ongoing community support, improved healthcare access, and academic assistance such as note-taking, transcription, and study guidance.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of the “Legacy Award for Advancing Disability Support and Inclusive Education at LASU” to the Vice-Chancellor. The award was handed over by Mr. Kareem Abayomi, Secretary of People Living with Special Needs in LASU. In addition, a book titled The Joy of Signing was presented to the Vice-Chancellor by Mr. Dotun Akintibubo, President of the Special Education Sign Language Ambassador Club.
The event drew several distinguished attendees, including the Director of the Sandwich Degree Programme, Professor John Adeogun; the Deputy Registrar of the Disability Support Office, Mrs. A.M. Afolami-Arojojoye (represented by Mr. Olalekan Lasisi); the Deputy Registrar, Non-Academic Staff Establishment, Mrs. Morili Ola-Gbadamosi; members of staff from the Special Education Unit; other senior officials; and students.
Each year, the United Nations marks the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3 to promote the rights, dignity, and well-being of persons with disabilities worldwide. The day serves as a call to action for building an inclusive, accessible, and equitable society for all.
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