By Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The three tiers of government in Nigeria have been called upon to include forthwith special education in the general studies in tertiary institutions across the country.

The call was made over the weekend in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, by Prof. Bolanle Olabisi Olawuyi of the Department of Social Sciences Education, University of Ilorin, while delivering
the institution’s 255th inaugural lecture, titled: “People with disabilities and the celebration of life beyond limits”.

According to the Inaugural Lecturer, the administrators of the nation’s education sector need to convince the three tiers of government to ensure that every teacher training programme includes special education, noting that this would enable the society to appreciate their counterparts with disabilities and the causes of disabilities.

She stressed that people living with disabilities could only be useful to the society if the societal stigmas and barriers associated therein are removed.

She said: “if the societal limitations and barriers are removed from the path of people with disabilities, they will be able to contribute a greater quota to national development wherever they find themselves.

“I look forward to a reorientation in the sign language curriculum to accommodate different dimensions of languages to enable those with hearing impairment to be able to function in any country.”

Prof. Olawuyi also sought employment of other professionals “that would provide inclusive education for people with disabilities,” urging the society to be conscious of the causes of disabilities and take precautions.

She, however, called for more accommodation/accessibility to persons with disabilities in the society.