Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu
By JOHN ONAH, Abuja –
In a bid to realize egual access to education, the Federal Government said it has targeted to enroll 825,000 students with disabilities cumulatively over the next five years,
The Minister of State for Education, Dr Tanko Yusuf Sununu disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja at the first Africa Regional Conference on Equal Opportunity of Access to Higher Education.
“It is also important that I inform this gathering that the DOTS policy takes into consideration the unique needs of the vulnerable groups vis-à-vis their needs for quality education and assurance that every child, including those with disability challenges, will have adequate opportunities to acquire adequate skills to realize their full potential later in life”.
According to him, the move was to demonstrate the administration unwavering commitment to realizing equal access to education
“It is heart-warming to note that the theme of this conference “Advancing the Potentials of Persons with Disabilities (PWD) in Educational and Economic Development” is quite appropriate, as it speaks directly to the heart of our shared mission: ensuring that every individual, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities, is given the opportunity to thrive, contribute, and lead in their communities and beyond”, he said.
“It is necessary that I once again commend the leadership of Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board under Prof. Ishaq Oloyede for projecting the true colours of the present administration with emphasis on pro- activeness, transparency, accountability and unalloyed commitment to the advancement of this country through the instrumentality of education. I also register my appreciation to the entire Management and staff of the Board for dedicated and passionate service to the nation”.
“I recall the JEOG strategic National Conference on Equal Opportunity of Access to Higher Education in Nigeria held in September 2023, where far- reaching decisions were made, culminating in the decision of the National Council on Education on Persons with Disabilities. I am also aware of the Board’s recent Management Retreat Badagry, which has contributed significant input into the implementation of some educational policies of the country”.
On his part, the Registrar, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board JAMB, Prof lshaq Oloyede outlined various interventions by the board to promote inclusive education, insisting on policies by government for the establishment of a centre for supportive services for PWDs.
As expected the conference attracted key stakeholders in the education sector, including Prof Peter Okebukola who in their remarks applauded the initiative.
“It is expected that communique and recommendations from the 2 day meeting will complement already existing efforts by government to promote inclusive education in Nigeria
