The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities has called for urgent action to guarantee accessible education, protection of rights, and full inclusion of children with disabilities across Nigeria as the country commemorates the 2026 Children’s Day celebration.
Executive Secretary of the Commission, Ayuba Burki Gufwan, made the call in a statement issued to mark Children’s Day with the theme, “For Every Child, Every Right: Leaving No Child Behind.” He stressed that children with disabilities must no longer remain invisible in national development conversations.
Gufwan noted that more than seven million children with disabilities across Nigeria’s 8,804 wards continue to face exclusion from education, healthcare, recreation, and social participation due to stigma, poverty, inaccessible infrastructure, and lack of inclusive policies. According to him, many children who are blind, deaf, autistic, living with albinism, cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities, or mobility challenges are still denied access to quality education and equal opportunities.
“Too many of them wake up to locked school gates. Too many sit at home while their peers recite the National Anthem in classrooms. Too many are hidden because of stigma, poverty, and buildings that were never built with them in mind. That must end,” he stated.
The NCPWD boss said the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu provides an opportunity to build a more inclusive society where no child is excluded because of disability. He emphasized that investment in inclusive education, assistive devices, accessible playgrounds, and disability-friendly learning environments is not charity but an investment in Nigeria’s future.
Highlighting achievements recorded by the Commission within the last year, Gufwan disclosed that over 50,000 assistive devices, including wheelchairs, hearing aids, white canes, and educational learning kits, were distributed to children across 24 states. He also revealed that the Commission partnered with State Universal Basic Education Boards to train more than 1,200 teachers in inclusive education and sign language.
He further said the Commission launched the “No Child Left Behind” Ward Initiative aimed at expanding disability screening and support services to grassroots communities nationwide. In addition, the Commission has continued to advocate for the enforcement of Section 18 of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018, which guarantees every child with disability the right to free and inclusive education.
While acknowledging progress made so far, Gufwan called on governments at all levels to ensure all newly constructed schools are accessible and that public budgets include dedicated provisions for special needs and inclusive education. He also advocated for the implementation of the not-less-than five percent employment and empowerment quota for persons with disabilities.
Addressing parents and communities, the NCPWD Executive Secretary urged families to reject stigma and embrace their children with dignity and pride.
“Your child is not a curse. Your child is a gift. Do not hide them. Enroll them. Let them play. The Commission stands with you,” he said.
He also encouraged children with disabilities to remain hopeful and confident about their future, assuring them that they are seen, heard, and valued in society.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the rights, inclusion, welfare, and empowerment of persons with disabilities in line with the provisions of the disability law.
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