Abuja, Nigeria – November 27, 2025 — In a major step toward improving access to inclusive education in Nigerian tertiary institutions, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has donated a high-capacity Embosser machine to the Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State. The donation marks a renewed commitment by the Commission to support higher institutions in creating barrier-free learning environments for students and staff with visual impairments.
The delegation from Federal University Lafia, led by Professor Adaka Ahon, visited the headquarters of the Commission in Abuja for a strategic engagement centred on deepening institutional collaboration on disability-inclusive education across Nigeria’s tertiary sector.
The Embosser machine — a digital device that converts typed text into Braille and prints seamlessly — is expected to significantly enhance access to information, communication, and instructional materials for students and staff with visual impairments. The device will also support the university in its ongoing efforts to strengthen inclusive learning systems and comply with global accessibility standards.
NCPWD Reiterates Commitment to Educational Accessibility
Presenting the Embosser, the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, emphasized its importance in bridging communication gaps between visually impaired students and lecturers, describing it as a transformative tool in inclusive education.
“I believe this Embosser will go a long way in helping both lecturers and students communicate effectively with blind learners,” Gufwan said.
“With the simplicity of this machine, anyone who can type on a computer can instantly produce Braille format materials. We consider this a critical assistive device capable of improving teaching, learning, and overall academic participation for Persons with Disabilities.”
He commended Federal University Lafia for its progressive policies that promote disability inclusion, noting that the university has become a model for other tertiary institutions across the country. Gufwan also expressed gratitude to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Shehu Abdullahi Rahman, for taking bold steps to subsidize tuition fees for students with disabilities — a gesture he described as “a remarkable investment in human capital and social justice.”
University Management Applauds the Donation
Responding on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Shehu Abdullahi Rahman, Professor Adaka Ahon expressed profound appreciation to the Commission for what he termed a timely and invaluable donation.
“We are delighted to receive this from the Commission. Before now, we only heard and saw the many assistive devices the Commission has provided to organizations and individuals nationwide,” he said.
“This machine will not only enhance communication and learning for our visually impaired students, but it will also support the accreditation of some courses, particularly those that require accessible learning formats. Its market cost is significantly high, and receiving it as a donation means a lot to us as an institution.”
He reaffirmed Federal University Lafia’s commitment to sustaining policies that protect the rights of students with disabilities and promote equal access to education.
A Shared Vision for Inclusive Education
The engagement between NCPWD and Federal University Lafia concluded with a strong resolution to deepen cooperation in key areas such as policy development, institutional strengthening, disability-inclusive infrastructure, and the expansion of free and accessible education for Persons with Disabilities.
Both institutions agreed that sustainable partnerships of this nature remain critical in advancing disability rights, promoting academic excellence, and ensuring that no student is left behind due to inaccessible learning materials or environments.
With this gesture, the NCPWD continues to reinforce its mandate to ensure equal opportunities for Persons with Disabilities across all sectors — especially education, which remains a cornerstone of empowerment and inclusion.
