By Ngozi Nwankwo
The Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Chief Ayuba B. Gufwan has affirmed that children with Disabilities in Nigeria and beyond deserve all the necessary attentions by the relevant authorities to attain life expectancy .
The ES made this disclosure during a courtesy visit to the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) in Abuja, today 26th September, 2024.
In his remarks, Gufwan enumerated the various challenges that hinder the discovery of talents and special skills embedded in children with disabilities in Nigeria.
According to him, most of the children come from low income backgrounds and have limited access to education. And as such necessitates the needs to collaborate with UBEC in order to assist in the provisions of learning materials and assistive devices for an all-inclusive education.
Another factor he mentioned is the issue of low self-esteem which is usually orchestrated by neglect and sometimes bullying by peer groups.
“Our children’s education is very key for the building of our society and the development of the nation as a whole” he said.
He added that disability is not an inability but, a unique situation that deserves encouragement.
Chief Gufwan further appreciated the Executive Secretary of the Universal Besic Education Commission for his open- door policy and the willingness to work with NCPWD.
He further hinted that the girl-child with disability is a double jeopardy due to the gender discriminatory belief system in most African settings.
The ES also seized the platform to call on the staff of both Commissions to form a synergy that would promote adequate funding for the rural communities as well as traversing through the 36 States of the Federation.
He, therefore, seized the occasion to advocate for special consideration for girls with Disabilities to get enrolled in schools and be supported with every learning tool and condition that will create the enabling environment for an inclusive education.
In a quick reaction, the Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr. Hamid Bobboyi applauded the existing relationship that exists between both Agencies and promised to sustain the cordiality.
The Executive Secretary reiterated that UBEC is charged with the mandate to intervene, coordinate and monitor educational development at the State, and Local Government levels.
“Contrary to some belief, the UBEC does not have or build schools but, offer assistance out of the 2% consolidated funds from the federal government” he added.
In the same line of thought, the Desk officer, Special Needs Unit, UBEC, Mr. Emeka Nwokeneme informed the meeting that UBEC is currently training staff members in teaching at various schools on understanding inclusive learning amongst pupils and students in Nigerian Schools.
The high point of the meeting was the presentation of the banner of partnership to the Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities by the ES UBEC.