Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, the Minister of State for Education in Nigeria, has urged an end to discrimination against children with disabilities in public schools nationwide. The call was made during an event commemorating the 2023 International Day for Persons With Disability in Abuja, Nigeria. The theme of the event, sponsored by the Adolescentdisabilitysununussu Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project, was ‘United in Action to Rescue and Achieve the SDGs for With, and by Persons with Disability.’
Dr. Sununu, represented by Dr. Clarence Ujam from the Ministry of Education, highlighted that children with disabilities are often rejected from public schools due to a lack of facilities and caregivers. He emphasized the need for collaborative efforts among all stakeholders to put an end to this discrimination.
Expressing dismay at the denial of various rights to children with disabilities, including education, medical care, employment, and free movement, Dr. Sununu advocated for the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 4. This goal focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable education, as well as promoting lifelong learning opportunities for persons with disabilities.
The Minister shared that the Federal Ministry of Education has been actively supporting persons with disabilities through initiatives such as the National Policy on Albinism, National Policy on Special Needs Education, and the National Policy on Inclusive Education. He also highlighted the Education Roadmap for 2024-2027, which emphasizes increased school enrollment, transition, and completion for learners with disabilities.
research and demonstration for the large-scale project’s technology, business, and mode of cooperation.
In line with the objectives of the celebration, Dr. Sununu stressed the importance of promoting understanding and mobilizing support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities. He underscored the significance of raising awareness about the challenges faced by the over 1 billion persons with disabilities globally, with 25 million to 27 million disabled persons in Nigeria according to the World Health Organization’s 2011 World Disability Report.
Various speakers at the event, including the National Coordinator of AGILE and the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for People Living with Disability, expressed commitment to inclusivity and applauded the efforts of the Federal Ministry of Education and the World Bank in promoting inclusive education.
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities, established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1992, serves to advocate for the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities and commemorate the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities adopted in 2006. The event featured demonstrations, dances, and the presentation of gifts, showcasing the talents and abilities of persons with disabilities.
Quest :Emmanuel kelvin