Quality Life for Persons with Special Needs Foundation has commended the management of Federal Medical Center (FMC) Bida for agreeing to reinstate Aisha Aminu, a visually impaired nurse whose appointment letter was unjustly retrieved because of her disability.
In early 2024, Aisha applied for a nursing position at the Federal Medical Centre, Bida. She passed the Computer Based Test exam and was appointed as a nurse and she assumed work.
During the documentation process, the Executive Director of Quality Life for Persons with Special Needs Foundation, Abdulrahman Awal, informed the Director of Nursing Service Federal Medical Centre Bida about Aisha’s impairment advocating her effectiveness.
On her first day, Aisha was posted to the antenatal clinic, where she provided health education and documented patients’ vital signs. In spite of her visual impairment she performed her duties dedicatedly.
Two weeks later, Aminu’s appointment letter was unjustly retrieved because her ability to work effectively was questioned on account of her visual impairment. This was in spite of the fact that she had proven to be effective in her duties. This decision caused outrage among disability advocates and CSOs.
INN reports that after several advocates calling for the reinstatement of the visually impaired nurse through peaceful dialogue, media engagement and collaboration a landmark resolution was reached at the Niger State Branch of the Public Complaint Commission, the management of Federal Medical Center (FMC) Bida agreed to reinstate Aisha Aminu, the visually impaired nurse, marking a significant milestone in advocacy for inclusion.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Executive Director of the Foundation, Abdulrahman Awal said “this achievement is a testament to the power of dialogue, collaboration, and the unwavering dedication of our foundation, the management of FMC Bida, and the Public Complaint Commission.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to the Chief Medical Director and management of FMC Bida for their commitment to inclusive practices and their efforts to ensure amicability. We also appreciate the unwavering support of civil society organizations, the mass media, social media activists, and all individuals who stood by us throughout this journey.”