In a monumental victory for disability advocacy in Nigeria, the Quality Life for Persons with Special Needs Foundation has commended the management of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Bida for its decision to reinstate Aisha Aminu, a nurse with blindness whose appointment was initially rescinded due to her disability. The case, which sparked outrage and widespread advocacy efforts, represents a significant step toward achieving inclusivity and equal rights for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
The Journey to Inclusion
The story began in early 2024, when Aisha Aminu, an ambitious and dedicated nurse with a visual impairment, applied for a nursing position at FMC Bida. Like her peers, she underwent a rigorous Computer Based Test (CBT) exam, passed successfully, and was officially appointed as a nurse. Aisha was filled with hope and excitement as she assumed her role in the medical institution, eager to contribute to the healthcare system despite the challenges she faced.
On her first day of work, Aisha was posted to the antenatal clinic, where she seamlessly integrated into the daily operations. Despite her visual impairment, she demonstrated impressive competence, providing health education to pregnant women and documenting patients’ vital signs with care and professionalism. Her ability to carry out her duties garnered admiration from colleagues and patients alike.
However, the celebration of her appointment was short-lived. Just two weeks after she had begun working, Aisha’s appointment letter was unjustly revoked. The reason? Concerns were raised about her ability to perform her nursing duties effectively, solely on the basis of her visual impairment. This decision was made in spite of Aisha’s proven capability and the fact that she had already been performing her responsibilities with dedication and competence.
Outrage and Advocacy
The unjust retrieval of Aisha’s appointment sparked immediate outrage among disability rights advocates and civil society organizations (CSOs) across Nigeria. For many, this was a blatant case of discrimination based on disability, and it highlighted the systemic barriers that PWDs continue to face in professional settings, even when they have proven their ability to excel.
Leading the advocacy efforts was the Executive Director of the Quality Life for Persons with Special Needs Foundation, Abdulrahman Awal, who had previously informed FMC Bida’s Director of Nursing Services about Aisha’s impairment, advocating on her behalf and assuring the management of her competence. Awal, along with other advocates, rallied the disability community, civil society groups, and the media to fight for Aisha’s reinstatement.
The advocacy efforts took various forms, including peaceful dialogues with FMC Bida’s management, media campaigns, and social media activism. Advocates worked tirelessly to bring Aisha’s case to the forefront, demanding justice and calling for an end to discriminatory practices against PWDs in the workforce. Public pressure continued to mount, and it became clear that this was more than just a fight for one woman’s job—it was a fight for the broader rights of PWDs across Nigeria.
A Landmark Resolution
After weeks of intense advocacy and persistent calls for justice, a breakthrough was finally achieved. A landmark resolution was reached at the Niger State branch of the Public Complaint Commission, where the management of FMC Bida agreed to reinstate Aisha Aminu. This decision marked a significant milestone not only for Aisha but for the entire disability advocacy movement in Nigeria.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Abdulrahman Awal expressed his gratitude to all the parties involved in bringing about this victory. “This achievement is a testament to the power of dialogue, collaboration, and the unwavering dedication of our foundation, the management of FMC Bida, and the Public Complaint Commission,” he said.
Awal praised the commitment of the FMC Bida management, particularly the Chief Medical Director, for their willingness to engage in constructive dialogue and eventually reverse their earlier decision. He also extended his thanks to the many civil society organizations, disability rights activists, media outlets, and social media campaigners who had worked tirelessly to support Aisha’s cause.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to the Chief Medical Director and management of FMC Bida for their commitment to inclusive practices and their efforts to ensure amicability. We also appreciate the unwavering support of civil society organizations, the mass media, social media activists, and all individuals who stood by us throughout this journey,” Awal stated.
A Victory for Disability Inclusion
The reinstatement of Aisha Aminu is not just a personal victory for one individual—it is a monumental win for the entire disability community in Nigeria. Aisha’s case highlights the challenges that PWDs continue to face in the workforce, particularly in professional fields like healthcare, where biases and misconceptions about disability often lead to exclusion and discrimination.
This case has also underscored the power of advocacy and collaboration. The successful reinstatement of Aisha’s position demonstrates that, through dialogue and collective action, discriminatory practices can be challenged and overturned. It is a reminder that inclusivity is not just a policy but a principle that must be upheld in all sectors of society, including the workplace.
Moving Forward: A Call for Systemic Change
While Aisha’s reinstatement is a major step forward, advocates say there is still much work to be done to ensure that PWDs are fully integrated and respected in the workforce. The fight for disability rights and inclusion continues, with advocates calling for stronger enforcement of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, which prohibits discrimination against PWDs in various sectors, including employment.
Disability advocates are also urging employers, both in the public and private sectors, to adopt more inclusive hiring practices and to provide reasonable accommodations for PWDs in the workplace. These steps, they argue, are crucial for ensuring that PWDs can fully participate in and contribute to society, without facing the barriers and discrimination that have historically kept them marginalized.
In the healthcare sector, the need for inclusivity is especially urgent. With Aisha’s case now serving as a precedent, disability advocates are hopeful that more PWDs will be given the opportunity to pursue careers in healthcare, where they can bring valuable skills, perspectives, and experiences to the profession.
A Future of Hope
For Aisha Aminu, this victory represents the culmination of a long and arduous journey. After weeks of uncertainty and injustice, she will soon return to FMC Bida, where she can continue to do what she loves—caring for patients and contributing to their well-being. Her story is one of resilience, determination, and hope—a testament to the fact that, with the right support, PWDs can thrive and succeed in any field.
As Aisha prepares to resume her duties, her case serves as a powerful reminder that inclusion is not a privilege but a right. Her reinstatement is a victory for all those who believe in the power of equality and the importance of giving everyone, regardless of ability, the chance to succeed.
With the support of advocates, civil society, and progressive institutions like FMC Bida, the future for PWDs in Nigeria looks brighter than ever. This is just the beginning, and the fight for full inclusion continues.
