IDPWD: Gombe State University Reaffirms Commitment Towards Inclusive Academic Environment for PWDs Students

 

by Yusuf Mohammed Lawan, Gombe

December 6th, 2024

Gombe State University (GSU) has reiterated it's total commitment towards providing accessible academic environment for students with disabilities of different clusters studying in the institution.

The University  partners with YOULEAD360 and  Mercy Corps to organize a colourful event in  commemoration of  the 2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD) penultimate Monday.

The event according to the Public Relations Officer of the University Mr.  H. N. Ligari, "is focused on fostering inclusion and accessibility for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) within and beyond the academic community" 

Speaking during the event, a visually impaired lecturer in the Department of Political Science, Mr Ishyaku Adamu, recounted his personal journey while studying  as one of the pioneer students of the University, highlighting how the Gombe State University in a demonstration of philantrophy and uncommon love to the PWDs students, supported his education through scholarships which enables him to obtain his first degree and also extended the gesture to enable him  pursue a master’s degree abroad.

 The visibly amused lecturer used the occasion to "express unreserved commendation to the University management for prioritizing an Inclusive and accessible academic environment to PWDs students coming from different states in the nation urging the University to do more to enhence inclusion for PWDs students within the institution and maintain its status as the most Disabily-Friendly University in the North East geopolitical zone" he noted

In a keynote address presented by the Gender and Social Inclusion Officer of the University, Mrs. Zainab Tijjani, commended the University management for entrenching the culture of inclusivity for all category of students regardless of disability to thrive  in the institution.

She stated,   "I would like to express my deepest appreciation and recognition to the Gombe University Management for their unwavering commitment and dedication towards creating an inclusive and supportive environment for Students with Disabilities (SWDs)"

"Your efforts in removing the barriers and breaking the stereotype for Persons with disabilities have made a significant impact on the lives of PWD students"

 "Your dedication to ensuring equal access to education and opportunities is truly commendable. Your leadership and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion have created a ripple effect of positivity, empowering PWD students to reach their full potential. We are grateful for your tireless efforts and look forward to continued support" she said

She acknowledged the multifaceted nature of disabilities which, according to her include the "physical disabilities,  sensory disabilities, mental and health disabilities, neurodiverse cnonditions, temporary disabilities etc which limited and hampers access quality education experienced by the PWDs" The GSU Gender and Social Inclusion Officer also enlisted existing challenges faced by the PWDs staff and  students in Gombe state University.

She noted, "persons with disabilities (PWDs) students in universities often face unique challenges that can impact their academic success and overall university experience. Some common challenges faced by PWD students include: inaccessible infrastructure, social stigma,  limited support services, transportation barriers, financial constraints, campus navigation, inadequate faculty and staff training on disability awareness, calling for individual and collective responses to address these identified challenges earnestly.

Earlier, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Danladi Muhammed Umar, said the University is putting every mechanism in place to address the various challenges facing the PWDs students in the University.

"We are laying the foundation that would soon wipe out all the challenges you are facing in the journey of your academic pursuits"

"I assure you that these challenges are surmountable and we will address them in due course, I will convey all the positive and negative issues highlighted here to the Acting Vice Chancellor when he returns from his official assignment"  the Deputy Vice Chancellor noted 

Elsewhere, a visually impaired, 200 level, law  student identified as Smart Awam Usman  shared a comprehensive account of persistent challenges faced by him and his fellow PWDs students in the course of their studies

His words "as we celebrate the achievements of individuals with disabilities, we must also acknowledge the  challenges they faced"

"These challenges can have a profound impact on their daily lives, affecting their ability to participate fully in academic and social activities"

Highlighting the worrisome challenges faced by the students with disabilities  in GSU Usman noted "some of the key challenges faced by the students with disabilities in our university include: the lack of accessible learning materials, such as braille textbooks, in our libraries which hinders the ability of students with visual impairments to compete on an equal footing with their peers, absence of technological and pivotal equipments,  such as braille embossers, makes it difficult for students with disabilities to access and process information effectively"

The law student also identified  financial barriers as a huge, emphasizing that the high cost of tuition fees and other expenses can lead to school dropout among students with disabilities, exacerbating existing inequalities"

He also hinted at  inaccessible examination venues as worrisome challenge capable of  create undue stress and anxiety for students with disabilities, noting that this challenge is causing the students especially the physically challenged students to inadvertently compromise their ability to perform to the best of their abilities"

According to him, the persistent limited access to computers experienced by the students with disabilities hinders the participation of students with disabilities, perpetuating existing inequalities" 

Others who spoke during the IDPWD commemoration and identify with the students with disabilities including the  Professor Mary Erasmus, who represent the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Mercy Corps’ Gender Advisor, Mrs. Christiana Wakawa, who disclosed her organization’s Gender sensitive programmes and projects that seeks to empower PWDs executed under the Rural Resilience Activity (RRA), GSU Alumni National President, Dr. Buhari Magaji, former GSU Alumni National President; Mal. Usman Isa Ya’u, Students Representative Council President etc.