The Minister of State for Education in Nigeria, Dr Yusuf Tanko Sununu, has called for the stoppage of discrimination against children with disabilities in public schools across the country.
The Minister made the call at an event marking the 2023 International Day for Persons With Disability held in Abuja, Nigeria, with the theme: ‘United in Action to Rescue and Achieve the SDGs for With, and by Persons with Disability’ sponsored by Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), Project.
Represented by Dr Clarence Ujam of the Ministry of Education, he said findings indicate that children with disabilities are being rejected in public schools due to a lack of facilities and caregivers, a development he wants all stakeholders to join hands and stop.
“Findings revealed that children with disability are rejected from public schools because of a lack of facilities and caregivers. This discrimination must stop by the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders,” he said.
According to him, it is also disheartening that children with disabilities, apart from education, are often denied many other of their rights, including associated negative perceptions.
He called for implementation of the Sustainable Development Goal number -4, which calls for inclusivity and promotion of opportunities for people living with disabilities.
“It is disheartening to note that some people still perceived disability negatively, superstition and ignorance have greatly influenced their attitudes to persons with disability.
“Most of the rights of people with disability are not given to them. These include the right to education, medical care, employment, and free movement.
“As we observe the International Day of Persons with Disability, we must implement SDG-4, which focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for Persons with Disability,” he said.
He said the Federal Ministry of Education has been in the vanguard of championing the course of persons with Disability in general and in the area of special education in particular.
“The Ministry has developed the National Policy on Albinism, National Policy on Special Needs Education, and the National Policy on Inclusive Education, all with implementation guidelines, which have been approved.
“The 2024-2027 Education Roadmap as well as the Ministerial Deliverables emphasized increase in school enrolment, transition, and completion for learners especially those with disabilities,” he added.
He said the objectives of this year’s celebration include promoting an understanding of disability and mobilizing support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disability.
“Raise awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of political, social, economic, and cultural life,” he stressed.
He said the awareness campaign is important as there are over 1 billion persons with disability, stressing that the World Health Organisation’s 2011 World Disability Report shows that there are between 25 million and 27 million disabled persons in Nigeria.
The National Coordinator of AGILE, Mrs. Amina Buba Haruna represented by the Deputy National Coordinator, Mrs. Abuka Ajanigo in a remark, said that persons with disabilities are special and have contributed immensely to the development of education in Nigeria.
“Which further gives credence to the fact that there is ability in Disability.
“The AGILE project I must say is committed to continue to support the course of Persons Living with disabilities,” she said.
She commended the Federal Ministry of Education and the World Bank for their support and promotion of inclusivity in education.
“I would also like to especially thank the World Bank for their immense support to ensure that the celebration is held this year,” She furthered.
The Executive Secretary of, the National Commission for People Living with Disability represented by Gloria Victor said the agency agrees with the philosophy of the Federal Ministry of Education and AGILE, as such it has consistently pursued inclusivity of people with disability by campaigning at the state level for the passage of the Disability Act.
“Others include the procurement of over 5,000 assisted devices, employment, access to public infrastructures, scholarships in tertiary institutions, ensuring participation in the election, giving medical and financial support, promoting social and political rights for people living with different types of disability,” she said.
She stressed that the doors of the agency are open for support and collaboration for the emancipation of people living with disability.
Founder of Women and Girls with Albinism Network, Constantine Onyemechi said the event speaks to SDGs – 17 which harps on collaboration and partnership that has enabled them to seek interface with the government and others on the need for care for people with Albinism.
She said the network has raised awareness of Albinism Skin health, provided sunglasses, and encouraged peace-building, and research.
Founder of TAF Africa, Jake Epelle, said the Federal Ministry of Education has always celebrated people with disability as it had approved the Revised National Policy on Inclusive Education.
“This is a plus for us. It meets global standards for inclusive education. It is now done and dusted that Nigeria now has a revised inclusive education policy, 2023.
“Not a document that went under the table but a document that went through all the necessary processes.
“Today many of you as NGOs, Associations have a policy document that you can advocate and ensure that inclusivity is practiced,” he said.
He added that those at the forefront from various organizations of people with disability are committed not only to SDGs but to values that enhance humanity, children, women, and employment without one form of discrimination or the other.
The event was laced with demonstrations, dances, and presentation of gifts.
Of particular interest was a demonstration by a student of Pinnacle International School, Abuja, living with a disability named Faizer, who is into arts and design as well as photography.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1992 to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. The day also commemorates the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which was adopted in 2006.
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