The Bauchi State Chapter of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) has reiterated its unwavering commitment to promoting inclusive education and enhancing the welfare of learners with disabilities across the state.
This pledge was made during a courtesy visit by the association’s leadership to the management of the Special Education Centre, Yelwa, Bauchi — a foremost institution catering to the educational needs of children with disabilities.
Led by the State Chairman, Malam Haruna Sa’idu Pali, the JONAPWD delegation commended the school’s principal and staff for their tireless dedication to nurturing students with special needs and creating a more inclusive learning environment. The visit, which took place on Tuesday, provided an avenue for both parties to explore collaborative strategies that would strengthen inclusive education in Bauchi State.
In his remarks, Malam Pali described education as “the most powerful tool for empowerment,” stressing that no child with a disability should be left behind due to systemic barriers or lack of parental support. He noted that JONAPWD remains resolute in ensuring that learners with disabilities enjoy equal opportunities and access to quality education in line with the state’s inclusive development agenda.
However, the visit also brought to light some disturbing revelations. Reports of parental neglect towards certain students and alleged cases of extortion among learners — disguised as compulsory union dues — were raised during the engagement.
Reacting to these concerns, Malam Pali expressed deep worry over the situation and assured the school’s leadership of JONAPWD’s readiness to work hand-in-hand with the management to address such challenges. He emphasized that the association will intensify its advocacy and monitoring efforts to safeguard the rights and welfare of students with disabilities in the state.
“We cannot fold our arms while some of our children face neglect or exploitation. Education must remain a safe, supportive, and empowering space for every learner with a disability,” Pali said.
He further revealed that the association would embark on a sensitization campaign targeting parents and guardians to emphasize the importance of consistent care, supervision, and moral support for children with disabilities enrolled in special and inclusive schools.
The Principal of the Special Education Centre, Yelwa, expressed appreciation to JONAPWD for the visit and commended the association’s proactive stance on issues affecting learners with disabilities. She noted that the centre has continued to face challenges such as inadequate funding, shortage of assistive learning materials, and poor parental engagement — all of which hinder the school’s ability to fully meet the needs of its students.
She, however, expressed optimism that JONAPWD’s intervention and sustained advocacy would help draw attention from relevant authorities and stakeholders to address these lingering gaps.
The courtesy visit ended with a renewed sense of collaboration between JONAPWD and the school’s management, with both parties pledging to strengthen ties aimed at improving the quality of education, increasing school enrolment, and ensuring the holistic development of children with disabilities across Bauchi State.
Through this renewed partnership, the Bauchi State JONAPWD hopes to set a benchmark for inclusive educational practices — where every learner with a disability is given the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in a supportive and equitable environment.
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