Association urges govts to prioritise education for persons with disabilities
By Ahmed Ahmed
The Joint Association of Persons with Disabilities has urged governments at all levels to prioritise education for persons with disabilities to develop their skills and thrive in the country.
Mr Isyaku Adamu, Secretary General of the Association made the appeal in an interview with Journalists weekend in Bauchi.
He noted that persons with disabilities face persistent barriers to education stemming from discrimination, stigma and the routine failure of decision-makers to address exclusion in school.
“As a result, they are among the most likely to be out of school, and are often placed in segregated schooling.
“Many miss out on opportunities to learn and develop skills for employment, independent living and full participation in their communities,” he said
Adamu said the concern of the association always calls for the prioritization of its members’ education as a means to uplift them from poverty.
He stressed the need for inclusive education as the most effective way for all children to go to school, learn and develop the skills they need to thrive.
“Every child has the right to quality education and learning. Like all children, children with disabilities have ambitions and dreams for their futures.
“Like all children, they need quality education to develop their skills and realize their full potential.
“Yet, children with disabilities are often overlooked in policymaking, limiting their access to education and their ability to participate in social, economic and political life,” Adamu stressed.
The Secretary General also emphasized that a majority of persons with disabilities face abject poverty, and educational empowerment is the primary solution in the country.
According to him, we had a stakeholders conference on the education sector in Bauchi to examine the status of the free education program for individuals with disabilities considering education as a tool for empowerment.
“The conference would serve as a platform for the association to assess the successes and challenges faced by the Bauchi State Agency for Persons with Disabilities in implementing the law,
“With the intention to apply these lessons at the national level, given the readiness for the amendment of the national bill,” he said.
Adamu lauded Bauchi State govt for hosting the conference, noting that the state enacted its disability bill over a decade ago, preceding the federal government’s efforts.
He also commended the government for providing free education at all levels in public institutions, a commitment not universally observed in other states,”he said.
