The Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria French Language Village (NFLV), Ajara- Badagry, Professor Lateef Babatunde Ayeleru, FNAL, has reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to disability inclusion and accessibility within the Badagry federation.
Professor Ayeleru gave this assurance while receiving an award of appreciation from a visiting delegation comprising the Association of Persons with Disabilities, Badagry Chapter (APWD), and the Badagry Welfare Association of the Deaf (BWAD), led by Sejoro Ekundayo Peter on Monday.
He stated that the institution would include persons with disabilities in its programs and activities and ensure that school buildings are accessible. He also announced plans to establish a disability desk to address the needs of students with disabilities.
Furthermore, Ayeleru assured that the institution would construct ramps around key buildings and increase its support for the disability community across Badagry.
Addressing the guests, he said, “You mentioned in your speech the need for compliance with the Lagos State Special People’s Law and the Nigerian Disability Act. We will look into both laws and ensure compliance and implementation.”
Expressing his gratitude, Ayeleru added, “I’d like to thank you again for considering me worthy of this award. It is not the size of an award that matters but the thought and spirit behind it. This recognition is deeply meaningful to me, and I truly appreciate it.”
Sejoro Peter Ekundayo
Strengthened Collaboration for Inclusion
Earlier in his speech, Mr. Sejoro Peter Ekundayo, Chairman of the Association of Persons with Disabilities, Badagry Chapter, called for stronger collaboration with the institution to promote inclusion and accessibility for persons with disabilities.
While appreciating the institution’s past support, he emphasized that more needs to be done.
Ekundayo, who also serves as Chairman of the Badagry Welfare Association of the Deaf, urged the Director to establish a disability desk to cater to students with disabilities. He stated, “A dedicated Disability Desk would help address the specific needs of persons with disabilities and ensure they receive the necessary support.”
Additionally, he made several requests, including the construction of ramps across key buildings, the provision of wheelchairs, magnifying glasses, guiding sticks, and sign language interpreters, among other accessibility measures.
He noted that “these measures will encourage more members of the disability community to enroll and participate fully in academic and social activities.”
Ekundayo also reminded the institution of the legal framework guiding disability inclusion, saying, “The Lagos State Special People’s Law (2011) and the Nigerian Disability Act (2018) are currently being implemented. These laws mandate accessibility and inclusion measures as outlined above. As a progressive partner, we urge your institution to align with these legal frameworks and implement them accordingly.”
Present at the meeting were Prof. Lateef Ayeleru, FNAL- Director/ CEO, Miss Ini Nwa- Registrar, Mr. Lateef Ibikunle- Bursar, Dr. Augustine Adejo- Acting Librarian, Dr. Ugwumba Akudo – Dean of Studies, Mr. Mashood Sanni, Acting Dean of Students’ Affairs, Mrs. Sessi Fagbeji-Agemo – Deputy Registrar (Information & Protocols), and Students’ representatives.
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