— By Agbo Christian Obiora, The Qualitative Magazine (TQM News)
In a landmark move signaling a new dawn for disability inclusion in the education sector, the Nasarawa State Teachers’ Service Commission (TSC) has announced special provisions to ensure that Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) are fully included in the ongoing recruitment exercise for secondary school teachers across the state.
The development, which has been widely hailed as a progressive step toward equality and fairness, underscores the commitment of the state government to implementing the 5% employment quota for PWDs as enshrined in Nigeria’s Disability Rights Law.
In a letter dated October 17, 2025, and addressed to the Nasarawa State Disability Rights Commission (NSDRC), the TSC, through its Secretary, Ishaq S. Bage, emphasized that the inclusive measure aims to “promote equal opportunity and ensure that no qualified individual with a disability is left out of public service employment.”
While the main application process for the recruitment is being conducted online, the TSC acknowledged the potential digital barriers that could hinder participation by some PWDs. To address this, the Commission made special arrangements to allow qualified PWDs who may face challenges accessing the digital portal to submit their applications physically at the TSC headquarters in Lafia.
According to the letter, designated officers have also been assigned to assist applicants with disabilities in completing their forms and ensuring that their applications receive the same level of consideration as those submitted online. This measure, the Commission noted, aligns with its broader vision of inclusive governance and equitable access to opportunities for all citizens of Nasarawa State.
The Commission further requested the support of the Nasarawa State Disability Rights Commission in disseminating the information through its networks and providing technical or advisory support to ensure a smooth and inclusive recruitment process.
Reacting to the development, the Executive Chairman of the Nasarawa State Disability Rights Commission, Mr. Sale Barde Keana, commended the Teachers’ Service Commission for what he described as a “commendable example of proactive inclusion and institutional compliance with disability rights.”
In a statement shared on his social media platforms, Keana applauded the TSC for setting a model that other government agencies and private institutions should emulate.
“The Nasarawa State Teachers’ Service Commission has shown exemplary leadership in ensuring that PWDs are not excluded from this vital recruitment exercise. This action is a reflection of true inclusion and respect for the 5% employment quota. I encourage all qualified PWDs to take advantage of this golden opportunity,” Keana said.
He explained that PWDs who are unable to register via the online portal can conveniently submit their physical applications at the TSC headquarters in Lafia, where trained staff have been deployed to guide them through the process.
Keana also encouraged applicants to submit copies of their applications and CVs to the Disability Rights Commission’s office along Kurunyo Road, Lafia, for proper documentation and follow-up. This, he said, would help the Commission monitor participation and ensure transparency throughout the recruitment process.
“This is more than a recruitment drive — it is an opportunity to break barriers, prove competence, and demonstrate that disability is not inability,” Keana added.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s unwavering commitment to advocating for equal access to employment and ensuring that qualified persons with disabilities are given fair consideration in all public service opportunities.
Observers and disability advocates across the state have praised the TSC’s initiative as a major victory for inclusive governance and a reflection of Governor Abdullahi Sule’s administration’s growing commitment to equality and social justice.
The move is expected to significantly boost the morale of PWDs seeking professional opportunities in education and inspire other states to adopt similar inclusive recruitment models.
As the recruitment process continues, many are optimistic that this inclusive gesture will translate into tangible results — with more qualified persons with disabilities gaining meaningful employment, contributing their skills, and transforming classrooms across Nasarawa State.
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