— NCPWD set to partner African students on inclusive education and empowerment
The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, has once again demonstrated his unwavering passion for inclusion, equality, and education as he promised the Commission’s full support for students with disabilities across Nigerian universities.
Hon. Gufwan gave this assurance when he received a delegation from the Africa Students Union Club, Federal University of Gusau, who paid a courtesy visit to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, October 16, 2025.
The Africa Students Union Club, a youth-driven initiative inspired by the ideals of the African Union, is devoted to promoting unity, leadership, and inclusivity among students across African campuses. The visit, which was described by observers as “timely and visionary,” centered on strengthening collaboration between the Commission and student leaders to advance inclusive education for learners with disabilities.
Addressing the delegation, Hon. Gufwan commended the student leaders for their courage and foresight in prioritizing disability inclusion within their campus activities. He lauded their proactive approach to recognizing the rights and needs of persons with disabilities within their university community, describing their visit as “a bold step in the right direction.”
“Your visit and commitment to promoting disability inclusion within your campus communities show that the younger generation is ready to drive positive change,” Gufwan stated.
“The Commission is open to partnerships that will enhance access to inclusive education and empower students with disabilities to thrive academically and socially.”
The NCPWD boss, who himself is a strong advocate for equal educational opportunities for persons with disabilities, emphasized that inclusive education remains one of the Commission’s top priorities. According to him, education is the foundation for empowerment and national development, and no nation can truly progress if a section of its citizens—especially persons with disabilities—is excluded from learning opportunities.
He noted that the Commission is working tirelessly to ensure that students with disabilities in tertiary institutions across the country have access to assistive devices, learning materials, and inclusive environments that enable them to reach their full potential.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Africa Students Union Club, Comrade Aminu Isa, expressed the Union’s admiration for the leadership of Hon. Gufwan and the Commission’s impact in promoting disability inclusion across Nigeria. He explained that the Union’s visit was to seek collaboration with NCPWD in advancing their shared goal of ensuring that students with disabilities enjoy equal access to education and campus life.
Comrade Isa outlined several key areas where the Union seeks support and partnership from the Commission. These include:
- Awareness and sensitization programmes to promote empathy, inclusion, and accessibility across university campuses.
- Provision of wheelchairs and mobility aids to enhance independent movement for students with physical disabilities.
- Access to Braille learning materials and Braille machines to support visually impaired students in their studies.
- Supply of assistive hearing devices to help students with hearing impairments participate effectively in classroom discussions.
- Capacity building workshops to train student leaders and volunteers on disability rights, inclusive leadership, and peer support systems.
According to him, the Union’s vision aligns with the Commission’s mandate to promote equal opportunities for all, adding that “this partnership will serve as a beacon of hope for students with special needs across Nigerian campuses.”
Hon. Gufwan warmly welcomed the proposals, assuring the visiting team that the NCPWD would work closely with student-led organizations to implement sustainable initiatives that benefit persons with disabilities in higher institutions.
“This synergy represents a meaningful partnership that will empower students with disabilities and strengthen our collective mission of building an inclusive Nigeria—one where every individual has the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute regardless of their disability,” he added.
The visit ended on a high note, with both parties agreeing to begin a joint framework that will outline specific areas of collaboration between NCPWD and the Africa Students Union Club. The initiative is expected to drive a new wave of disability-inclusive leadership, learning environments, and social participation within Nigerian universities.
The meeting also reflects a growing recognition among young people that true leadership involves empathy, accessibility, and inclusion—values that the NCPWD under Hon. Gufwan’s leadership continues to promote vigorously across all sectors.
As Nigeria prepares for a more inclusive educational future, partnerships such as this between the NCPWD and student bodies offer renewed hope that persons with disabilities will not just be seen but heard, supported, and empowered to reach their dreams.
