UNICAL VC Demands Prompt Implementation of Disability Act in Nigeria

 by Yusuf Mohammed Lawan Gombe, 19th October, 2024

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Banku has called on government at all levels to prioritize urgent implementation of Discrimination Against Persons With  Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018 in the country to promote the full scale integration and inclusion of persons  with disabilities in Nigeria. 

This was contained in a statement signed and circulated to media personnel by the Special Assistant to the Vice Chancellor on media, Comr. Onigah Joseph Egidi which reads pertly:

"Prof. Obi made the charge  while making presentation  at the 1st National Colloquium/Conference in Special Needs Education organized  in honour of an erudite scholar in the field of special education Prof. Emeka Desmond Ozoji in the University of Calabar recently. 

"The Conference brought together various stakeholders in the field of special eduction to chatter a new cause for the future of PWDs education, welfare and empowerment in Nigeria under the theme "Nigerian Special Needs Education in Search of an Identity" 

Delivering a keynote address to the participants,  Vice Chancellor noted that "special needs education is not limited to those in the field and those living with disabilities, stressing that  being a special person, or a disabled person is not far from anyone" 

Obi who recounted the sad ordeal of a literary icon, Prof. Chinua Achebe who later became disabled and died as a disabled person called on public spirited individuals and corporate organizations to support in the implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018 in Nigeria where men and women living with disabilities can also fit into the Nigerian society.

Eulogizing the honoree, Prof. Emeka Desmond Osoji, the VC describes him as a distinguished academia, workaholic, a prolific writer and an editor. She also lauded him for his immense contributions to the field of special needs education while acknowledging his excellent mentorship to others including herself. 

Earlier, the Colloquium Convener and National Planning Chairman, Prof. Julius Ademokoya "commended the VC for hosting them while describing her as a major pride in the profession"

"The conference was attended by notable figures including Prof. Emeka Desmond Ozoji(the Honoree),Vice Chancellor of the Kwara State University, Prof. Shaykh-Luqman Alade Jimoh (who was represented by the Deputy VC Academics, Dr. Olubokola Dada), Dr. Deborah Agu and many others" the statement concluded