By Bashir Dawodu
The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Kwara State University, Malete, Prof. Olubukola Dada, has called on Nigerians to embrace and meaningfully include persons living with one form of disability or the other in all aspects of society as she urged members of the public to eliminate discrimination, limitations, and attitudinal barriers against them.
Prof. Dada made this call last Wednesday (December 3, 2025), while delivering a keynote address at the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities celebration, organised by the Centre for Students with Special Needs, University of Ilorin.
The event held at the University Auditorium Basement with the theme, “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress.”
Represented by Prof. Kelechi Uchemadu Lazarus of the Department of Special Needs, University of Ibadan, Prof. Dada stressed that discrimination against persons with disabilities could negatively affect their mental health and overall well-being.
She emphasised the need for a society that values inclusion, promotes equal rights, dignity, and access to opportunities.
According to her, leaders, organisations, communities, government agencies, schools, healthcare providers, and workplaces all have critical roles to play in fostering inclusion.
Prof. Dada commended the Federal Government for establishing the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) and called for the total elimination of labelling, discrimination, and negative attitudes towards persons with disabilities.
Declaring the programme open, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Moji Taibat Bakare-Odunola, congratulated students with disabilities on the celebration.
He encouraged them to believe in themselves, describing disability as another form of ability, and assured them that they could achieve greatness.
Also speaking, the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Prof. Olukunmi Lanre Olaitan, urged Nigerians to create a more conducive environment for persons with disabilities and to empower them in all areas of life.
He charged them never to underestimate their potential.
In her welcome address, the Director of the Centre for Students with Special Needs, Prof. Taiwo Toyin Ambali, described the centre as one of the foremost university-based disability support centres in Nigeria.
Prof. Ambali revealed that over 150 students with special needs had graduated from the Centre and are contributing meaningfully to national development.
The Director lauded Prof. Egbewole for promoting inclusion as an institutional priority, noting that the University had procured five motorised wheelchairs and two tricycles, sponsored annual in-service training for staff, and supported staff participation in national and international conferences.
Highlights of the event included a sign language workshop and presentations by students with special needs.
Dignitaries at the programme included Principal Officers, Deans, Sub-Deans, and students of the University.
