Abuja, Nigeria – The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, has reaffirmed the Nigerian government's dedication to ensuring equal educational access for Persons with Disabilities, PWDs. Speaking at the First African Regional Conference on Equal Opportunities of Access to Higher Education, organized by the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) through its Equal Opportunities Group, JEOG, the presidential aide called for stronger regional alliances to promote inclusive education across Africa.
With the theme "Advancing the Potentials of Persons with Disabilities in Educational and Economic Development," the conference brought together stakeholders from across the continent to discuss ways to enhance access to education for PWDs. Hon. Abba Isa, represented by his Director of Media and Communications, Lanre Oloyede, emphasized that inclusive education is critical to Africa’s progress, highlighting the need to break down barriers that hinder PWDs from realizing their full potential.
Hon. Abba Isa noted that while Nigeria has made strides through the enactment of the National Disability Act in 2018 and the work of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), much remains to be done to ensure that PWDs are not left behind.
He said,“As we have observed, access to education remains a fundamental issue, but we are making significant strides. In 2018, Nigeria enacted the National Disability Act, a monumental step toward safeguarding the rights of persons with disabilities. This law not only guarantees access to public infrastructure but also mandates inclusive education, providing a legal framework for the integration of PWDs in the educational system.
“Furthermore, under the National Commission for Persons With Disabilities (NCPWD), we have begun strengthening partnerships with educational institutions across the country, ensuring the provision of reasonable accommodations like accessible learning materials, assistive technologies, and special teaching methods. JAMB itself, through the JEOG, has been a trailblazer, leading the charge in leveling the playing field by offering special examination centers for PWDs. This initiative has greatly expanded access to higher education for those who were previously marginalized.
“The Tinubu administration remains committed to furthering these achievements. We will continue to provide the necessary support and resources to make educational institutions accessible to all Nigerians, irrespective of physical, sensory, cognitive, or psychosocial challenges.
“The link between education and economic development is undeniable. When persons with disabilities are equipped with the tools and knowledge to succeed in education, they are better positioned to contribute meaningfully to the economy. Our goal is to ensure that PWDs are not just recipients of education but active agents of change, capable of driving innovation and economic transformation.
“Across Nigeria, we have seen the fruits of this empowerment. Persons with disabilities are breaking barriers and excelling in a wide range of fields—from engineering to the arts, from entrepreneurship to academia. Yet, while we celebrate these successes, we recognize that more must be done to provide the enabling environment for these talents to flourish.
“Despite the progress we have made, significant challenges remain. Many PWDs still face barriers to quality education, be it in the form of inaccessible learning environments, inadequate funding, or limited access to assistive devices. Addressing these issues requires concerted efforts from all sectors—government, civil society, and the private sector.
“We must also recognize the digital divide that disproportionately affects PWDs. In today’s world, digital literacy is essential for economic participation. We need to prioritize inclusive digital education and provide affordable access to technologies that enhance learning and productivity for persons with disabilities,” the presidential aide stated.