By Agbo Christian Obiora
In what has been described as a bold and historic move toward inclusive education in Nigeria, the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Lafia (FULAFIA), Professor Shehu Abdul Rahman, has approved a 75% reduction in all fees and charges for students with disabilities across all categories in the institution. The decision, which takes immediate effect, reflects a growing recognition of the barriers faced by students with disabilities and the need for universities to lead the charge in dismantling them.
This major announcement was made following a high-level meeting with the Vice-Chancellor and key stakeholders at the university. The approval, which comes as part of the university’s commitment to inclusive learning, is set to benefit a wide range of students living with disabilities, affirming FULAFIA’s leadership in the implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018.
A Landmark Decision for Inclusive Education
In addition to the 75% fee waiver, the Vice-Chancellor has also directed the Bursar of the university to ensure full refunds are issued to all eligible students who may have already paid their fees before the approval was granted. This move demonstrates not only administrative sensitivity but a genuine commitment to justice and fairness.
Perhaps even more impressively, the university has also announced that students with disabilities will pay zero Kobo for e-learning resources, ensuring full digital accessibility at no cost to the students.
Conditional Structure for Sustainability
The Vice-Chancellor further clarified that this fee relief will apply for an initial period of two academic sessions. After this period, only students who present a valid Disability Certificate issued by the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Abuja—as required by the Disability Act—will continue to benefit from the policy.
This structure aligns with national disability legislation and also serves to streamline support for genuinely qualified students, while encouraging formal documentation of disability status as recognized by law.
A Model for Other Nigerian Institutions
This progressive development by FULAFIA is a shining example of what is possible when institutional leadership is committed to inclusion. For too long, students with disabilities in tertiary institutions across Nigeria have faced structural, financial, and attitudinal barriers that limit their educational opportunities.
By significantly reducing financial burdens and expanding digital accessibility, FULAFIA is not just complying with the law—it is setting a standard for inclusive education that should be emulated across the country.
Advocates for persons with disabilities, student bodies, and disability rights organizations have already begun celebrating the development. Many have described it as a bold step forward in implementing Section 17 and 27 of the Disability Act, which guarantee access to inclusive education and support services for students with disabilities.
“Inclusion Must Be Institutionalized”
Speaking to reporters after the announcement, stakeholders emphasized that the policy will not only enhance academic participation but will also positively impact retention, academic performance, and the self-esteem of students with disabilities.
“This is a victory for inclusive education in Nigeria,” one advocate remarked. “We have long demanded that institutions move from lip service to action. What FULAFIA has done is proof that inclusion can be institutionalized when there is the will to act.”
A Call for National Replication
As Nigeria continues to work towards full implementation of the Disability Act, this decision by the Federal University of Lafia offers a practical template for other public and private tertiary institutions. The move strengthens the call for the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Federal Ministry of Education to issue clearer directives to universities on disability-inclusive policies, funding frameworks, and accessibility standards.
For now, the students of FULAFIA living with disabilities can look forward to a more inclusive and supportive learning environment—one that respects their rights, recognizes their potential, and removes financial obstacles to their success.
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