Disability not a barrier to success, says Egbewole
By Abubakar Abdulquadri
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has urged students to strive for academic excellence, emphasising that disabilities should not hinder their academic performance.
Prof. Egbewole gave this admonition last Thursday( April 9, 2026) at a programme organised by the University Students’ Union for students living with disabilities and other members of the University community at the University Auditorium.
The Vice Chancellor, who spoke through the Ag. Dean of Student Affairs, Dr Alex Morenikeji Akanmu, noted that the core mandate of the University consists of teaching, learning, and research, stressing that effective learning requires both dedicated teachers and willing learners.
He commended the Students’ Union leadership for organising the programme, describing the initiative as timely and impactful.
Prof. Egbewole reaffirmed the commitment of the University to inclusivity, noting that the institution places high value on all students, particularly those facing one challenge or another.
“For all of us, we have one challenge or the other’’, he said, adding that rather than focusing on disabilities, we should recognise that every student is uniquely challenged in different ways.
The programme, themed “Ability in Disabilities,” was aimed at recognising the strengths and potentials of students living with disabilities while shifting societal focus from limitations to capabilities.
The Vice Chancellor stressed that individuals with disabilities should not be defined by their conditions but by their abilities, talents, and contributions to society. He added that many persons with disabilities have continued to break barriers and achieve remarkable success.
Prof. Egbewole further called for the promotion of an inclusive society that values diversity, ensures accessibility, and provides equal opportunities for all.
“We must foster a culture of understanding, provide necessary support and accommodation, and ensure that everyone is given equal opportunity to thrive,” he added.
In her remarks, the Director of the Centre for Students with Special Needs, Prof. Taiwo Ambali, represented by the Deputy Director, Dr O. J. Isarinde, commended the Students’ Union for the initiative.
She emphasised that people living with disabilities should not be pitied, as such attitudes could be discouraging. Instead, she advocated for empathy, support, and encouragement to help them realise their full potential.
Speaking on the theme of the event, “Ability in Disabilities: Changing the Narrative,” the guest speakers, Mr AbdulAzeez Olasunkanmi Ishola and Mr Dauda Abdulrazaq Gidado, stressed that disabilities should not be seen as a barrier to academic or personal success, noting that individuals with disabilities possess immense potential and should be given equal opportunities to thrive.
They also advocated for the provision of inclusive facilities in organisations, commending the University of Ilorin management for its efforts in catering to the needs of persons with disabilities.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the President of the Students Union, Mr Idris Adelu Ayomo, disclosed that since the inception of his Administration, they had a prioritised creating a student environment where everyone on campus would feel a sense of belonging.
According to him, “We recognise that students living with disabilities are not defined by their limitations,but by their abilities, their aspirations, and their potentials to make meaningful contributions to society. Our commitments have gone beyond words. We have consistently advocated for the rights and welfare of students including persons with disabilities, ensuring that their needs are represented in the conversation that shapes policies and decisions”.
The student leader also commended the management of the University for its ongoing efforts to create an inclusive academic environment.
Over the years, the University has taken meaningful steps to ensure that students living with disabilities are not excluded from accessing quality education.
