The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has strengthened its commitment to inclusive education by providing assistive devices to pupils of the NAFOWA Special Needs School, Nigerian Air Force Base, Airport Road, Abuja, following a two-day intervention programme aimed at enhancing learning opportunities for children with disabilities.
The intervention featured comprehensive assessments, prescription, fitting, and distribution of assistive devices tailored to the individual needs of the pupils. The Commission said the initiative was designed to improve communication, enhance mobility, promote independent living, and eliminate barriers to quality education and full participation in society.
Speaking during the presentation, the Head of the Education Unit, Dr. Kehinde Ogunbiyitan, who represented the Commission, described the exercise as a significant step towards ensuring that every child, irrespective of disability, has equal access to education and opportunities for personal development.
“Today’s event is about more than the donation of assistive devices. It is about creating opportunities and ensuring that every child, regardless of disability, has the chance to learn, grow, and achieve their full potential,” he said.
Dr. Ogunbiyitan stressed that disability inclusion is a matter of rights, equity and justice rather than charity, adding that every child deserves the opportunity to participate fully, succeed academically and contribute meaningfully to society.
He noted that the programme aligns with the provisions of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, and reflects the Commission’s unwavering commitment to promoting inclusive education and safeguarding the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities across Nigeria.
Also speaking, the Head of the Assistive Devices and Technology Unit, Dr. Ismail Idris, described education as a fundamental right, emphasizing that assistive technology plays a critical role in unlocking the potential of children with disabilities by removing physical and learning barriers.
He assured that the Commission would continue collaborating with institutions such as NAFOWA to make schools more inclusive while commending teachers, therapists, caregivers and parents for their dedication to improving the lives of children with disabilities.
Vice President of the Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA), Mrs. Aisha Ramallan, applauded the Commission for its consistent support to the school, noting that the institution provides specialized education, therapy and other essential support services for children with disabilities within an inclusive learning environment.
Similarly, the School Supervisor and NAFOWA National Head of Programmes, Mrs. Semble Olanrewaju, expressed appreciation for the donation, assuring that the assistive devices would be effectively utilized to provide an enabling environment where every pupil can attain their academic aspirations regardless of disability.
The Head Teacher of the school, Mrs. Grace Odeleye, also thanked the Commission, describing the donation as timely and impactful, noting that it would help address the shortage of assistive devices available to the pupils.
During the first day of the programme, a team of physiotherapists led by Dr. Ismail Idris and the Head of Health and Rehabilitation, Dr. Aisha Ali, conducted detailed assessments of the pupils. The team identified conditions including cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, intellectual disability, autism and hearing impairment, before prescribing appropriate assistive devices based on each child’s specific needs.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment, on behalf of its Executive Secretary and management, to deepening partnerships with organisations such as NAFOWA to expand access to quality education, assistive technology and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities, while working towards a society where no child is left behind and inclusion becomes the standard.
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