ABUJA, Nigeria – In a move expected to strengthen disability inclusion and expand access to education for children who are Deaf or hard of hearing, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has pledged its full support to the Yagazie Weng Umezurike Foundation for the Deaf, as both organisations explore strategic collaboration to improve the lives of children living with hearing disabilities across Nigeria.
The commitment was made on Thursday when the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Hon. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, received a delegation from the Yagazie Weng Umezurike Foundation for the Deaf at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
The meeting highlighted the urgent need to tackle one of the most persistent but often overlooked challenges facing children with disabilities in Nigeria—the culture of hiding children with disabilities from society due to stigma, discrimination, and misconceptions.
Speaking during the meeting, Hon. Gufwan described the Foundation’s intervention as timely and commendable, stressing that no child should be denied opportunities because of disability.
He expressed deep concern over the growing number of parents who keep children with disabilities away from public spaces, schools, and social activities, warning that such actions deprive them of the opportunity to develop their full potential.
According to him, children flourish when they are loved, accepted, educated, and integrated into society rather than being isolated.
“We have encountered many cases where parents keep children with disabilities away from public view. We commend your Foundation for taking the lead to bring these children out of isolation. The Commission will do everything within its mandate to support your innovative work,” Hon. Gufwan stated.
The Executive Secretary reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to working closely with organisations whose programmes align with the Federal Government’s vision of promoting equal opportunities and protecting the rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
He assured the Foundation that the Commission would facilitate smooth collaboration, particularly in advancing inclusive education, promoting disability-friendly policies, and expanding interventions that improve the welfare of children who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
Hon. Gufwan emphasized that partnerships between government institutions and civil society organisations remain critical in addressing the numerous barriers confronting persons with disabilities, especially children who require early intervention and specialized educational support.
Earlier in his remarks, the leader of the delegation, Mr. Alexander Okoroafor, explained that the Yagazie Weng Umezurike Foundation for the Deaf was established with a clear mission to identify children who are Deaf or hard of hearing, rescue them from isolation, and provide them with access to quality education and assistive devices that enhance communication and learning.
He noted that many children with hearing disabilities remain excluded from formal education because of poverty, inadequate support systems, and widespread misconceptions surrounding disability.
According to him, the Foundation is determined to change that narrative by creating opportunities that will enable every Deaf child to learn, communicate effectively, and contribute meaningfully to society.
Mr. Okoroafor disclosed that the Foundation would, in due course, present its work plan and programme of activities to the Commission as part of efforts to establish a long-term partnership capable of reaching more beneficiaries across the country.
The proposed collaboration is expected to focus on promoting inclusive education, expanding access to hearing support services, strengthening advocacy for the rights of Deaf persons, and ensuring that children with hearing disabilities receive the necessary support to thrive academically and socially.
Stakeholders have continued to emphasize that early identification of hearing disabilities, coupled with timely intervention and access to assistive technologies, significantly improves educational outcomes and social inclusion for Deaf children.
The meeting also reflects the NCPWD’s growing commitment to fostering partnerships with disability-focused organisations to ensure that no person with a disability is left behind in Nigeria’s development agenda.
As the Commission continues to champion disability rights and inclusive development, collaborations such as this are expected to create new opportunities for thousands of children living with hearing disabilities, offering renewed hope to families and reinforcing the message that disability should never be a barrier to education, dignity, or participation in society.
The visit concluded with a group photograph, symbolizing the beginning of what both organisations hope will become a productive and impactful partnership dedicated to advancing the rights and wellbeing of Deaf children in Nigeria.
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