By Agbo Christian Obiora
Abuja, Nigeria – June 26, 2025 — In a bold and passionate call for equity and inclusion, a leading member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee and National Leader for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), Tolu Bankole, has urged the Federal Government to adopt a national policy that guarantees free education and healthcare services for all Nigerians with disabilities.
Bankole, in a strongly worded statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, painted a grim picture of the everyday realities faced by over 30 million Nigerians with disabilities. He said the rising cost of medications, assistive technologies, and specialized medical care has pushed many PWDs to the brink of despair, calling the current situation “a national emergency and a matter of social justice.”
“Education Is the Great Equalizer”
Bankole’s proposal for government-sponsored free education from primary to tertiary levels for PWDs was rooted in a firm belief in the power of education to transform lives.
“Education is a bridge to self-employment and a powerful tool for economic empowerment,” he declared. “Inclusive education is not charity; it is essential for ending poverty, exclusion, and intergenerational inequality.”
He stressed that when PWDs are equipped with the tools to learn, grow, and participate in economic life, the nation as a whole benefits. He referenced countries where disability-inclusive policies have lifted millions out of dependency, urging Nigeria to embrace the same model.
Dire Health Conditions for PWDs
Turning to healthcare, Bankole delivered a sobering message. He said thousands of PWDs are living in chronic pain and untreated conditions because they cannot afford basic healthcare, let alone the specialized care their disabilities require.
“Health is not a luxury—it is a fundamental human right,” he emphasized. “Today, many PWDs cannot access essential medications, assistive devices like wheelchairs and hearing aids, or medical services tailored to their needs. They are left to suffer in silence and, in many heartbreaking cases, die preventable deaths.”
He proposed a dedicated government subsidy programme that would make healthcare free and accessible to all PWDs across Nigeria, arguing that such a policy would reduce preventable disability-related complications, boost productivity, and affirm the dignity of citizens with disabilities.
Renewed Hope for Inclusive Governance
While applauding the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Bankole made it clear that hopes must be matched with action. He said the time has come for deliberate, courageous policymaking that centers the voices and needs of PWDs—not as an afterthought, but as a national priority.
“True inclusivity demands intentionality,” he stated. “It is not enough to speak of inclusion in abstract terms. We must act decisively to remove the systemic and financial burdens that PWDs face daily. We must build a country where disability does not mean despair.”
Beyond Federal Action: A Call to All Stakeholders
Bankole’s advocacy extended beyond the corridors of federal power. He called on state governments, local authorities, and the private sector to align with national efforts and commit resources toward making education and healthcare free and accessible for PWDs.
He argued that inclusion must be rooted in a shared national responsibility, stating,
“No child with a disability should be denied education because their parents cannot afford tuition. No adult should be condemned to pain or death because they can’t pay for drugs or a doctor’s visit. If we truly want to build a just society, then access must never depend on ability or wealth.”
Walking the Talk: A Champion of Disability Rights
Bankole’s statement comes as part of his broader mission to advance the rights of PWDs in Nigeria. He reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to policies that reflect the spirit and provisions of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, a landmark piece of legislation that remains under-enforced across many sectors.
As one of the most vocal disability advocates within the ruling party, Bankole has consistently used his platform to push for the inclusion of PWDs in governance, education, health, and employment.
His recent intervention is already sparking conversations across policy circles and civil society organizations, many of whom have lauded his courage and clarity.
A National Turning Point?
Bankole’s demands resonate with a growing number of Nigerians who believe the country must do more to protect and empower its most vulnerable populations. His message is not just a policy recommendation—it is a moral challenge to the conscience of the nation.
As Nigerians continue to debate the future of inclusive governance, Tolu Bankole’s voice is clear and compelling: “We cannot claim to be progressing as a nation if millions of our citizens with disabilities are left behind. Let us act now. Let us act together.”
The time for tokenism is over. For Nigeria’s disability community, the demand is simple yet urgent: equal rights, equal access, and a fair shot at life.
