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Govt Urged to Prioritize Inclusive Education for Persons with Albinism and Disabilities

In a powerful call for change, the Federal Government has been urged to make inclusive education a central focus of national policy to ensure that marginalized communities, particularly Persons with Albinism (PWAs), are not left behind. The urgent appeal came during a high-profile one-day conference focused on inclusive education, organized by the Albinism Association of Nigeria (AAN), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), and the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD).

Held at the Federal Ministry of Education in Abuja, the conference attracted a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including government officials, civil society groups, educators, and advocates, all gathered to address critical issues facing PWAs and other persons with disabilities in accessing quality education in Nigeria.

The conference, themed around “Empowering Education: A Pathway to Inclusivity for All,” highlighted the systemic barriers that continue to hinder PWAs from receiving a proper education. From inadequate infrastructure to limited assistive technologies, participants pointed out the significant obstacles faced by PWAs in both public and private educational settings. These barriers are often compounded by deeply ingrained discriminatory attitudes that further marginalize this already vulnerable group.

Key Challenges Facing PWAs in Education

According to a communique issued at the end of the conference, the challenges faced by PWAs in Nigeria are manifold. One of the most pressing issues is the lack of accessible infrastructure in schools, which is vital for students with visual impairments and other disabilities. Additionally, the absence of adequate assistive technologies—such as braille materials and screen-reading software—has made it difficult for PWAs to fully engage with the curriculum. Furthermore, insufficient teacher training on how to handle the unique needs of students with albinism and disabilities was also highlighted as a significant roadblock.

The communique also noted that the absence of supportive examination provisions, such as extra time or access to readers and scribes during assessments, further exacerbates the educational inequality for PWAs. These systemic shortcomings result in lower enrollment rates and poor academic outcomes for persons with albinism and other disabilities, leaving them with fewer opportunities for personal and professional development.

Call for Policy Reform and Action

In light of these challenges, conference participants came together to call for immediate government intervention. One of the key resolutions was a call for the Federal Government to review and refine the draft policy on inclusive education to ensure it is aligned with international best practices and the goals of the upcoming Global Disability Summit, set to take place in April 2025. A renewed focus on these policies would help address not only the unique needs of PWAs but also those of other marginalized groups.

The conference also stressed the need for a more robust financial commitment to inclusive education, advocating for increased budgetary allocations at the federal, state, and local levels to support the development of accessible learning environments and the provision of essential assistive technologies. These financial investments would go a long way in ensuring that students with albinism and other disabilities have the resources they need to thrive academically.

Unified Effort to Transform Nigeria’s Education System

Mrs. Bisi Bamishe, the Executive Director of the Albinism Association of Nigeria (AAN), delivered a passionate address during the conference, stressing the urgency of the situation. She emphasized that PWAs, who face double discrimination—first because of their albinism and then because of their disability—often find themselves excluded from the educational opportunities that others take for granted.

“We are calling on the government to prioritize inclusive education in national policies,” Bamishe declared. “We want to ensure that PWAs have equal access to quality education, and that no child is left behind simply because they were born with a disability or albinism.”

Her words were echoed by other key stakeholders, who agreed that the time for action is now. A commitment to inclusive education, they argued, is not just a moral obligation, but an essential step toward creating a fairer, more equitable society.

The conference also advocated for practical measures to improve the educational experiences of PWAs. This includes providing students with extra time during exams, as well as the use of readers and scribes to assist with written assessments. Such accommodations, the participants agreed, would allow PWAs to compete on an equal footing with their peers and achieve their academic potential.

Building Partnerships for Change

The gathering also served as an important platform for fostering collaboration among key partners. Mrs. Bamishe expressed her gratitude to the Ministry of Education, NCPWD, JONAPWD, and the National Orientation Agency (NOA), as well as various civil society groups, for their ongoing support in advancing the cause of inclusive education.

“Together, we can work to break down the barriers that have held back PWAs for far too long,” Bamishe said. “But it requires all of us—government, educators, advocates, and civil society—to take concrete actions to transform the education system into one that is truly inclusive and equitable.”

A Vision for a Better Future

The conference concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to push for meaningful changes in the education sector. As Mrs. Bamishe pointed out, this is a long-term mission that requires sustained efforts, but the vision of a truly inclusive and accessible education system for all is one that is worth fighting for.

For now, the call for action remains urgent: inclusive education must become a priority in national policies, ensuring that PWAs and other marginalized groups are given the tools they need to succeed. Only then can Nigeria claim to be a society that is truly committed to equality and the empowerment of all its citizens, regardless of their challenges.

With the collective resolve of government, civil society, and advocacy groups, the dream of an inclusive education system that serves every child without discrimination could soon become a reality.

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