Calabar, Nigeria – The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Banku Obi, has made a passionate call for government at all levels to prioritize the well-being and inclusion of people with disabilities (PWDs) by ensuring the full implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018. She made this appeal while addressing participants at the 1st National Colloquium and Conference on Special Needs Education, held in honor of Prof. Emeka Desmond Ozoji, a leading scholar in special needs education.
The two-day conference, themed “Nigerian Special Needs Education: In Search of an Identity,” brought together experts, scholars, advocates, and education stakeholders to discuss the future of special education and the prospects for people with disabilities in Nigeria.
“Disability Can Happen to Anyone,” Obi Warns
In her address, Prof. Obi emphasized that disabilities can affect anyone, highlighting the importance of proactive support and inclusive policies. She stressed that special needs education and disability issues are not the exclusive responsibility of individuals in the field but concern all sectors of society.
“Being a person with special needs or living with a disability is not far from anyone,” she warned. “We must remember that disability is often only a matter of circumstance, as seen in the life of the late Prof. Chinua Achebe, who, despite becoming disabled in his later years, remained a towering literary figure.”
Using Achebe’s example, Obi reminded the audience of the importance of empathy, inclusion, and structural support, calling on both public and private institutions to play a role in enforcing the provisions of the Disability Act. She urged governments and corporate organizations to “embrace their responsibility to ensure that persons living with disabilities are fully integrated into all aspects of Nigerian society.”
A Tribute to a Distinguished Scholar
The Vice-Chancellor also used the occasion to pay tribute to Prof. Emeka Desmond Ozoji, the honoree of the colloquium. She described him as a “distinguished academic, a prolific writer, and a mentor par excellence” whose contributions to the field of special needs education have been immense. Obi credited Ozoji with shaping the discourse on disability education in Nigeria and inspiring the next generation of scholars, including herself.
“Prof. Ozoji has set a standard for excellence in both academia and service. His commitment to advancing special needs education is a legacy that will continue to impact lives for years to come,” Obi remarked.
Voices from the Colloquium: Calls for Collective Action
The event convener and National Planning Chairman, Prof. Julius Ademokoya, commended the Vice-Chancellor for her unwavering support of the conference, describing her as “a major pride in the education profession.” He emphasized that platforms like the colloquium are essential for advancing conversations on inclusion and developing practical solutions for improving special needs education in Nigeria.
“This event is not just a celebration of an individual’s achievements but a call to action for all stakeholders to align with the principles of inclusion,” Ademokoya stated.
Distinguished Guests and Key Takeaways
The colloquium attracted prominent figures in the field of education, including:
- Prof. Emeka Desmond Ozoji, the honoree.
- Prof. Shaykh-Luqman Alade Jimoh, Vice-Chancellor of Kwara State University, represented by the Deputy VC Academics, Dr. Olubokola Dada.
- Dr. Deborah Agu, a respected advocate in special education.
The discussions at the event revolved around the pressing need to integrate PWDs into mainstream education and society. Participants underscored the importance of accessibility, tailored curricula, and policy implementation to ensure no one is left behind.
The colloquium concluded with a renewed call for collective action, with stakeholders urging the Federal Government and state governments to fast-track the full implementation of the Disability Act. “This law must move beyond paper to practice,” they emphasized, pointing out that inclusive education is a critical pathway to ensuring equal opportunities for all Nigerians, regardless of ability.
A Renewed Hope for Inclusion
The 1st National Colloquium and Conference on Special Needs Education ended on a high note, with participants expressing optimism that the conversations sparked by the event would translate into meaningful action. There were also commitments from stakeholders to continue engaging with government bodies to ensure the needs of persons with disabilities are prioritized in policy reforms.
With calls for deeper collaboration between educators, advocates, and policymakers, Prof. Obi concluded by reaffirming the University of Calabar’s commitment to championing inclusive education and disability advocacy. “Together, we can build a society where every individual—regardless of their ability—has the opportunity to thrive,” she declared.
The conference left attendees hopeful that Nigeria is on the cusp of embracing an inclusive future where every citizen, including persons with disabilities, can live with dignity and achieve their full potential.
