The Ford Foundation Research Team at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has launched an initiative aimed at developing a policy to safeguard the welfare of persons with disabilities (PwDs). The team hopes the policy will serve as a model for adoption in tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
In an effort to share the findings of a baseline study, the group organized a workshop focused on gathering data to enhance educational support for PwDs. This workshop brought together university staff and students to raise awareness, provide crucial training, and formulate strategies to improve the learning environment for PwDs.
In his address, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of UNN, Prof. Oguejiofor Ujam, highlighted the university’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for students and staff with disabilities. Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Romanus Ezeokonkwuo, he reiterated that the university has always prioritized the welfare of PwDs by offering special considerations for admission, library services, hostel accommodations, and examinations. He further emphasized that the university remains dedicated to ensuring equal opportunities for all students, regardless of their abilities.
Prof. Anthonia Achike, leader of the Ford Foundation Research Team, explained that the baseline study, funded by the Ford Foundation, aimed to collect data on the number of PwDs, their challenges, and potential areas for intervention. The findings, she noted, would provide a foundation for creating a comprehensive disability policy at UNN, with the hope of expanding the model to other Nigerian universities.
“This research will provide critical data that will inform the development of a disability policy, not only for the University of Nigeria but for other Nigerian universities as well,” Prof. Achike said. She added that UNN’s involvement in the research would serve as a catalyst for similar initiatives in academic institutions nationwide.
Samuel Ebifa, representing students with disabilities, expressed gratitude to the research team for their commitment to improving the lives of PwDs at the university. He spoke candidly about the daily struggles faced by many students, emphasizing that what should be basic rights are often treated as privileges by service providers.
“We hope that this effort will result in a policy that will significantly improve the conditions of people with disabilities at the University of Nigeria,” Ebifa said.
The workshop also featured presentations on how to better care for individuals with disabilities, as well as discussions on their constitutional rights. The event concluded with a call for collective action to ensure that people with disabilities are fully integrated into all aspects of academic and campus life.
Join Inclusive News Network WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You. Click Here