Chief Ayuba B. Gufwan, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), has called for increased attention and resources for children with disabilities in Nigeria.
He made this appeal during a visit to the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) in Abuja on September 26, 2024, where he stressed that giving these children access to quality education is essential for improving their life prospects.
Chief Gufwan addressed several challenges that continue to hold back children with disabilities. A key issue he raised was the economic disadvantage that many of these children face, as they often come from low-income families. This situation limits their access to basic educational resources, making it imperative for agencies like UBEC to step in and provide learning materials and assistive devices to support inclusive education.
He also expressed concern about the low self-esteem experienced by many children with disabilities, which he said is largely caused by neglect and bullying. “The education of these children is not only crucial for their personal development but also for the future of our society and nation,” Gufwan remarked, emphasizing that disabilities should be seen as an opportunity for unique growth rather than as a limitation.
In his speech, Gufwan acknowledged UBEC’s efforts and thanked the Executive Secretary, Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, for his openness to collaboration. He noted, however, that more needs to be done, particularly for girls with disabilities, who face the added burden of gender discrimination in many African communities.
Gufwan urged both commissions to work together to secure adequate funding for schools, particularly in rural areas, to ensure that all children, regardless of their abilities, receive the support they need.
In response, Dr. Hamid Bobboyi reaffirmed UBEC’s commitment to inclusive education and underscored the importance of their ongoing partnership with NCPWD.
He explained UBEC’s role in supporting educational development through federal funds, while clarifying that UBEC does not directly build schools but provides critical resources for their operation and improvement.
Mr. Emeka Nwokeneme, the Desk Officer for UBEC’s Special Needs Unit, added that the commission is currently conducting training programs for teachers to help them better understand how to implement inclusive learning for students with disabilities.
The visit ended on a positive note, with UBEC presenting a banner of partnership to Chief Gufwan, symbolizing their continued collaboration in the quest for inclusive education across Nigeria.