The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Prof. Florence Banku Obi, has called for the full implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018 to better support people with disabilities in Nigeria.
She made this call during the 1st National Colloquium and Conference on Special Needs Education, held at the University of Calabar in honor of Prof. Emeka Desmond Ozoji.
Themed Nigerian Special Needs Education: In Search of an Identity, the conference gathered experts and stakeholders to discuss the progress and challenges faced by people with disabilities in Nigeria. Prof. Obi noted that special needs education is not limited to individuals in the field but is a matter of concern for society as a whole, reminding everyone that disability can affect anyone at any stage of life.
Recalling the later years of literary icon Prof. Chinua Achebe, who lived with a disability until his death, Prof. Obi urged well-meaning Nigerians and corporate bodies to actively support the enforcement of the Disability Act. This act, she emphasized, is crucial for ensuring that people with disabilities have equal opportunities to thrive within Nigerian society.
In her tribute to the honoree, Prof. Emeka Desmond Ozoji, the Vice Chancellor hailed him as a dedicated scholar, prolific writer, and exceptional mentor, whose work has left an indelible mark on the field of special needs education.
Speaking earlier, the Colloquium Convener, Prof. Julius Ademokoya, applauded Prof. Obi for her leadership and for hosting the event, referring to her as a source of pride within the profession.
The event was attended by notable personalities, including the honoree, Prof. Emeka Desmond Ozoji, the Vice Chancellor of Kwara State University, Prof. Shaykh-Luqman Alade Jimoh (represented by Deputy VC Academics, Prof. Olubokola Dada), and Dr. Deborah Agu, among others.