According to a news report from the New Telegraph, the three tiers of government in Nigeria have received a call to promptly include special education in the general studies curriculum of tertiary institutions nationwide.

The appeal was made over the weekend in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, during the 255th inaugural lecture at the University of Ilorin. The lecture, titled “People with Disabilities and the Celebration of Life Beyond Limits,” was delivered by Prof. Bolanle Olabisi Olawuyi from the Department of Social Sciences Education.

In her address, Prof. Olawuyi emphasized the need for education administrators to advocate for the integration of special education into every teacher training program. This inclusion would foster a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and the underlying causes.

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.