TQM report,
The National Commission for Persons with disabilities (NCPWD) has developed a curriculum on disability studies to be adopted by Nigerian Universities, Polytechnics, Colleges of Education and National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies.
A committee saddled with the responsibility of drafting the curriculum after five days of intensive work on Friday in NCPWD’s office presented the curriculum drafted for different higher institutions to the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Mr. James David Lalu.
The Chairman of the Committee, Prof. Ademokoya Julius in his speech while presenting the documents to the Executive Secretary said that the entire members of the Committee appreciates the opportunity given to them and it is with great sense of appreciation and satisfaction that he presented the curriculum hoping that the higher institution would find them useful.
Speaking further, he appreciated Mr. Lalu for a wonderful initiative saying that it is first of its kind and it would go a long way towards improvement of disability inclusion in Nigeria.
He also appreciated his team members for their sacrifices in the past five days, even working on public holiday to put forward historic documents.
He also said that he strongly believed that the curriculum will bridge the gap between PWDs and others, the society having a better understanding of PWDs which will enhance a more inclusive society.
He appreciated that staff of the Commission who provide the unwavering support to the committee throughout the duration of the work.
He later handed over three different copies of curriculum to the Executive Secretary which covers curriculum for Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education.
Mr. Lalu in his response appreciated the committee for their sacrifices saying that if the commission were to pay, they cannot afford to pay their effort.
He said that the receiving the curriculum was a dream come true for him because it was fulfillment of his dream. According to him, “I conceived it before I was appointed the Executive Secretary”.
He promised to present the curriculum to Ministers of Humanitarian Affairs, Education and the National Universities Commission through which the Commission can reach out to other relevant agencies to get the curriculum approved and implemented.
“We will engage you for the development of the course manual so that lecturers and students will get focus and direction and we will sponsor the printing materials developed for the teaching of course in the schools” he promised.
“We will also develop another curriculum on accessibility engineering” he informed.
He assured that the Commission would everything possible to ensure that the curriculum is adopted in all tertiary institutions by 2022 because it would go a long way towards change the narrative of persons with disabilities in Nigeria.
The ES presented certificate of participation to all the Committee members in appreciation of their selfless service to the Commission.
TQM reported earlier in the week that the Committee were made of academia from Universities, Polytechnics, Colleges of Education and Persons with disabilities.
TQM learnt the Commission is also preparing Accessibility Minimum Standard document to enhance accessibility of public infrastructure for persons with disabilities.
