Lagos, Nigeria — The Centre for Infrastructural and Technological Advancement for the Blind (CITAB) has applauded the recent educational infrastructure investments made by the governments of Borno and Plateau states, highlighting these initiatives as key opportunities to build an inclusive education system. However, CITAB also urged both states to ensure that their investments do not merely serve aesthetic purposes but are truly accessible to all students, including those with visual impairments.
In a statement released by CITAB’s Executive Chairman, Jolomi George Fenemigho, the organisation recognised the significant strides made by both states, including the establishment of new secondary schools, the inauguration of the High Islamic College in Fikiyel, and the TETFund-supported expansion at Plateau State University (PLASU). Fenemigho commended the states for their commitment to improving academic infrastructure but warned that the focus should go beyond building new structures to addressing critical accessibility challenges.
“These projects are a step in the right direction for educational development, but they must also serve the most vulnerable groups—students with disabilities, particularly those with visual impairments,” Fenemigho stated. “The real test of progress is not just about modernising facilities, but ensuring that these spaces are usable and inclusive for all students, irrespective of their abilities.”
CITAB emphasised that infrastructure development without accessibility features would limit the long-term effectiveness of these educational investments. While newly built schools and modernised facilities are often seen as signs of progress, Fenemigho pointed out, they could inadvertently exclude students who rely on assistive technologies or physical adaptations to engage in academic life.
“You can have the grandest vision in town, but the real test is whether everyone can participate. The critical question is whether these new schools and renovations are usable by all students, or only appealing to those who can see them,” he said.
The organisation outlined specific recommendations to both the Borno and Plateau state governments, urging them to prioritise accessibility in all educational developments. CITAB called for the admission of visually impaired students into newly established schools and colleges as part of the mainstream campus population, rather than segregating them into separate institutions.
CITAB’s Recommendations for Inclusivity:
- Admission of Visually Impaired Students:
The centre called for visually impaired students to be admitted into the newly established secondary schools and colleges, ensuring that they are part of the mainstream academic community. This would not only foster inclusivity but also promote social integration. - Modern Assistive Learning Technologies:
The group stressed the need for the introduction of assistive learning tools such as refreshable Braille displays, AI-powered scanners, and accessible digital learning platforms at the High Islamic College and the PLASU Medical Faculty. These technologies are vital for providing blind students with the resources they need to excel academically. - Accessible Administrative Buildings:
CITAB also advocated for the design of renovated administrative buildings, such as the PLASU Senate Building, to be fully accessible to blind students and staff. This includes features like tactile maps, auditory signals, and wide doorways that would allow for independent navigation, ensuring that students and staff with visual impairments can move around freely and safely. - Inclusive Curriculum and Resources:
Furthermore, CITAB called for the integration of inclusive curricula and learning resources that cater to all students, irrespective of their abilities. This would ensure that visually impaired students do not face unnecessary barriers to their education and are provided with equal opportunities to succeed.
“True progress must be measured by how inclusive and accessible these new educational spaces are for all students,” Fenemigho remarked. “An open and accessible school environment is essential to guarantee equal opportunities for everyone—whether sighted or visually impaired.”
The centre reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with both the Borno and Plateau state governments, as well as other relevant stakeholders, to ensure that these new educational assets are not only state-of-the-art but also deliver meaningful inclusion for all students. CITAB also offered its expertise and support in making educational developments truly inclusive and accessible for the blind and visually impaired.
As Borno and Plateau states continue to showcase their newly developed educational assets, the ultimate measure of success will not be how grand the facilities appear but whether these spaces are truly accessible to all students, providing equal opportunities for academic success and personal growth.
In the push for more inclusive education in Nigeria, CITAB remains a steadfast advocate for the rights of visually impaired students, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs addressed in every educational reform and development initiative.
