Abuja, Nigeria – 26th September 2024: The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Chief Ayuba B. Gufwan, has called for greater attention and commitment towards ensuring that children with disabilities in Nigeria are provided with the necessary support to realize their full potential. This impassioned plea was made during a courtesy visit to the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) headquarters in Abuja, highlighting the urgent need for an inclusive approach to education and the upliftment of children with disabilities.
Chief Gufwan, in his remarks, stressed that children with disabilities deserve more attention from all stakeholders to overcome the myriad challenges that often prevent them from reaching their aspirations. He pointed out that many of these children come from low-income backgrounds, limiting their access to education and essential learning materials. According to him, this situation necessitates urgent collaboration between NCPWD and UBEC to provide learning materials and assistive devices tailored to ensure all-inclusive education for children with disabilities across Nigeria.
“Our children’s education is not just important; it is fundamental to the building of our society and the development of the nation as a whole,” Chief Gufwan emphasized. “Disability is not an inability; it is a unique circumstance that demands encouragement and support.”
Highlighting Key Challenges
During the engagement, Chief Gufwan enumerated the various challenges that hinder the discovery and development of the talents and skills inherent in children with disabilities. One of the major concerns he raised was the issue of low self-esteem often faced by these children, which can be triggered by neglect and bullying from their peers.
He underscored the plight of the girl-child with disabilities, noting that they often face “double jeopardy” due to prevailing gender-based discriminatory beliefs in African societies. “Girls with disabilities are doubly marginalized, and this demands our special attention to ensure that they receive adequate support, access to education, and a nurturing environment where they can thrive,” he stated.
Chief Gufwan also took the opportunity to advocate for special consideration for girls with disabilities to ensure their enrollment in schools and the provision of every learning tool necessary to create an enabling and inclusive educational environment.
Call for Synergy and Collaboration
The Executive Secretary of NCPWD further commended the open-door policy of the UBEC Executive Secretary, Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, and his willingness to collaborate on initiatives aimed at promoting inclusive education. Chief Gufwan urged the staff of both commissions to work together to foster greater synergy that would ensure adequate funding and support for rural communities, and emphasized the importance of extending these initiatives across the 36 states of the federation.
“Our partnership is not just about policies; it’s about ensuring that every child, irrespective of their disability, is given the chance to shine. It’s about reaching the grassroots and transforming communities by making education accessible to all,” Chief Gufwan reiterated.
UBEC’s Commitment to Inclusive Education
In his response, Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, the Executive Secretary of UBEC, applauded the relationship between UBEC and NCPWD and promised to sustain the collaboration to achieve more impactful outcomes. Dr. Bobboyi clarified the role of UBEC in the country’s education sector, explaining that the commission is tasked with intervening, coordinating, and monitoring educational development at state and local government levels.
“Contrary to popular belief, UBEC does not build schools directly; instead, we offer assistance from the 2% consolidated funds provided by the federal government to support educational initiatives,” Dr. Bobboyi explained. He expressed his optimism that the partnership with NCPWD would enhance efforts to ensure that children with disabilities receive the support they need to succeed in their education.
Emphasis on Training and Capacity Building
The meeting also shed light on UBEC’s ongoing efforts to enhance inclusive education. The Desk Officer of the Special Needs Unit at UBEC, Mr. Emeka Nwokeneme, revealed that the commission is currently training staff members in schools across the country on how to understand and implement inclusive learning strategies for pupils and students with disabilities. This move, he noted, is a significant step toward ensuring that teachers are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to support students with disabilities effectively.
A Milestone of Partnership
The high point of the event was the presentation of the banner of partnership to Chief Ayuba B. Gufwan by Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, symbolizing the renewed commitment to working together towards an inclusive educational system that leaves no child behind. This act underscored the shared vision of both agencies to advocate for and implement policies that will provide children with disabilities the opportunity to learn, grow, and reach their full potential.
Conclusion
The call for inclusive education by the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities represents a significant step towards building a society that acknowledges and nurtures the potential of every child, regardless of their disability. As the collaboration between NCPWD and UBEC continues to strengthen, there is hope that more children with disabilities across Nigeria will have the opportunity to pursue their dreams and aspirations in an environment that supports their unique needs and capabilities.
This partnership marks a promising chapter in the journey towards achieving an inclusive education system that truly embraces diversity, equity, and equal opportunities for all children, ensuring that every child with a disability can look forward to a brighter, more fulfilling future.
