NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES PRESS RELEASE 03-09-2025 NCPWD, Federal University of Lafia Strengthen Partnership on Inclusive Education The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) and the Federal University of Lafia (FULafia) have strengthened their partnership to promote inclusive education and improve accessibility for persons with disabilities. This followed a courtesy visit by the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, to the university. The visit highlighted FULafia’s commitment to inclusivity, as demonstrated by the establishment of its Centre for Disability Studies. The Centre is designed to sensitize stakeholders on the importance of inclusion and accessibility, while ensuring that persons with disabilities are fully recognised as valuable members of the academic community. During the engagement, the Executive Secretary emphasized the need for university policies to be non-discriminatory and disability-friendly. He cited the example of a successful professor in a wheelchair, stressing that students with physical disabilities can excel in all professions, including medicine, if given equal opportunities. The Vice Chancellor of FULafia, Professor Shehu Abdul-Rahman, welcomed the NCPWD delegation and reiterated the university’s commitment to inclusivity. He noted that the institution considers persons with disabilities as major stakeholders in its development, and therefore places their needs at the heart of university policies. Discussions also explored areas of collaboration, including the development of a National Access to Work Scheme for persons with disabilities. The Commission further expressed interest in working closely with the Centre for Disability Studies to advance advocacy and research in disability inclusion. A notable proposal was raised to incorporate sign language as a compulsory General Studies (GST) course across all universities. This initiative is expected to enhance communication between persons with hearing impairments and the wider population, thereby strengthening national inclusivity. The Executive Secretary also introduced key policy documents and frameworks which the Commission plans to share with FULafia. These include the Procedure for Inclusion and Access for Persons with Disabilities in Pre-Tertiary Education, and the Framework for the National Access to Work Scheme for Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria. This renewed partnership between NCPWD and FULafia is anticipated to serve as a model for other universities in Nigeria, advancing the cause of inclusive education and equal opportunities. > “There is ability in disability,” said Hon. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, Executive Secretary of NCPWD. “Every Nigerian student is qualified to study any course, regardless of their ability.” Ishaku Kigbu (anipr) Head, Media & Publicity National Commission for Persons with Disabilities