The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, has emphasized the importance of inclusivity and resilience for young people living with disabilities.
Speaking at the Kwara State School of Special Needs, Prof. Oloyede urged individuals with disabilities to remain steadfast in pursuing their goals, despite challenges they may encounter along the way.
Represented by Alhaji Aliyu Jubril at the event, Prof. Oloyede’s message of inclusivity and perseverance was part of a two-day training program organized in collaboration with ADEHABB Resources Enterprise and the Kwara State Association of the Deaf, specifically designed for young people living with disabilities.
Under the theme “Leveraging Digital Technology,” Jubril highlighted the universality of disability, emphasizing that it is nearly inevitable for individuals to experience some form of disability as they age.
He encouraged attendees to recognize their inherent worth and to seize opportunities in the digital realm, assuring them of support in their educational endeavors.
“These people are only disabled in some part of their body. They have their strengths too in some areas. Let’s explore those strengths, let’s empower them so that when we harness their strengths, they will also contribute to the GDP of the nation,” Jubril stressed.
Engr. AbdulGaniyu Olododo, the principal of Kwara State Schools For Special Needs, echoed Jubril’s sentiments, emphasizing that there is ability within disability. He called for increased support for special students to enable them to thrive.
Convener of the program, Abibat Olatunji, advocated for further empowerment for special students, stressing the importance of their contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
She lamented the societal tendency to overlook individuals with disabilities and urged both government and individuals to recognize and support them.
“There are people that are not to be looked down upon. You must know that there are abilities in disability, and the government, as far as I’m concerned, is not doing enough to carry them along. Most of them see themselves as outcasts, which is unfortunate. So, we must do enough, both governments at all levels and individuals, to see them as people we should encourage,” Olatunji emphasized.
Prof. Ambali echoed these sentiments, highlighting the success of over seventy special needs students who have graduated from the university. He assured attendees of equal rights and informed them of hostels specially built to accommodate them, signaling efforts towards inclusivity in educational facilities.
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