AAU BREAKS BARRIERS, UNVEILS DISABILITY-FRIENDLY FACILITIES, MOVES TO STRENGTHEN INCLUSIVE EDUCATION

By Esosa Omorogbe 

BENIN CITY – Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, has taken a major step towards becoming one of Nigeria's leading inclusive tertiary institutions with the unveiling of disability-friendly facilities and a renewed commitment to policies that guarantee equal access to education for persons with disabilities.

The development came as the national leadership of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), led by its National President, Alhaji Usman Abdullahi, paid a courtesy visit to the University, where both parties pledged to deepen collaboration in promoting accessibility, inclusion and equal opportunities for students and staff living with disabilities.

The visit culminated in the inspection and formal handover of newly completed disability-friendly infrastructure at the University's Dangote Hostel, including wheelchair access ramps, specially designed internal walkways and accessible toilet facilities, all aimed at removing physical barriers confronting persons with disabilities on campus.

Addressing the University's management, Abdullahi commended the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mrs. E. E. Omonzogie, for demonstrating a commitment to inclusive education and urged the institution to consolidate the gains by establishing a Disability Desk Office to coordinate disability-related issues.

He also appealed to the University to create employment opportunities for qualified persons with disabilities and expand access to assistive devices such as wheelchairs, specialised laptops and other learning aids capable of improving the academic experience of students and staff with disabilities.

Responding, Professor Omonzogie reaffirmed the University's determination to build an institution where every member of the academic community enjoys equal opportunities regardless of physical ability.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, inclusive education remains a critical component of the University's development agenda, stressing that AAU will continue to pursue initiatives that promote accessibility, equity and dignity for all.

The Vice-Chancellor, accompanied by members of the University's management, officials of JONAPWD and the project consultant, Engr. Yusuf, later inspected the newly completed facilities at the Dangote Hostel.

In a symbolic ceremony witnessed by officials of both organisations, the National President of JONAPWD presented the keys to the accessible toilet facilities to the Vice-Chancellor, describing the project as a practical demonstration of the University's commitment to disability inclusion.

Receiving the keys, Professor Omonzogie applauded JONAPWD and its development partners for supporting the University's vision of creating a campus that is welcoming, accessible and responsive to the needs of persons with disabilities.

Observers described the development as another milestone in AAU's ongoing efforts to align with global best practices on inclusive education and the rights of persons with disabilities.

The visit ended with both organisations reaffirming their resolve to sustain collaboration aimed at advancing accessibility, protecting the dignity of persons with disabilities and ensuring that no qualified student is disadvantaged on account of physical disability.

Details of the visit were contained in a press release issued by the Principal Assistant Registrar and Head, Information, Protocol and Public Relations of Ambrose Alli University, Otunba Mike Aladenika.