Disability Advocates Urge UNN, Others to Adopt Inclusive Education
From Chris Ugwuja
Disability advocates at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) have urged authorities of the institution
and other tertiary institutions accross Nigeria to adjust their curriculum to provide inclusive education for all students, regardless of physical or mental condition.
The appeal was made on Friday, October 10, 2025, during the launch of Awesome Grace Care, a non-governmental organization and special needs students’ association, held at the Faculty of the Social Sciences Lecture Hall, UNN.
The event, whose theme was “Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges: A New Era of Accessibility” brought together university officials, royal fathers, disability rights advocates and students to discuss practical ways for a more inclusive academic environment.
Delivering the keynote address titled “Strategic Intervention for Inclusive Education for Students with Disability”, Dr. Christopher Nwanoruo emphasized that disability should not be mistaken for inability. “Disability still has a whole lot of ability”, he said and called on Nigerian universities to adopt inclusive education system that would provide equal opportunities for all learners.
Dr. Nwanoruo explained that inclusive education fuses empathy, collaboration and better interpersonal relationships among students.
He recommended the introduction of a course titled “Introduction to Disability Studies” to help students and staff understand the experiences and challenges of persons with disabilities (PWDs).
He further advocated the adoption of Universal Design Learning (UDL) strategies, the installation of chair ramps, relocation of classrooms to ground floors, and the use of non-visual learning aids to accommodate all learners.
The Dean of the Faculty of the Social Sciences, reaffirmed the faculty’s commitment to inclusiveness in this regard. He disclosed that a Faculty Disability Desk had been established to address the challenges faced by students with disabilities and to ensure their full participation in academic and social lives.
Delivering his goodwill message, the Royal Father of the Day, His Royal Majesty (HRM), Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu, the Ogadagidi 1 of Edem-Ani Ogwugwu Ancient Kingdom, congratulated the organizers for their efforts toward inclusiveness in education industry. Igwe Asadu, who is the Chairman of Enugu State Traditional Rulers’ Council and former Chairman, South East Traditional Rulers’ Council, pledged to engage government officials and policy makers to support programmes that promote accessibility and empower persons with disabilities within and beyond the university environment. Igwe Asadu, donated the sum of three hundred thousand Naira, in addition to his last year’s donation of two million naira to them.
A special guest of honour in the event, Princess Dr. Chetachi Ecton (Nee Nwoga) donated the sum of two million, seven hundred thousand naira to them, saying that it was in memory of her late mother, Mrs. Precilia N. Nwoga, who will be laid to rest in January 3, 2026 at her country home, Mbaise, Imo State.
The event also featured a cultural display, comedy, presentation of special number and networking sessions with disability advocates and students living with disabilities.
The launch of ‘Awesome Grace Care’ marks a significant step in UNN’s journey toward institutional inclusiveness, signaling a future where accessibility and empathy form the foundation of academic career.
The highlight of the occasion was the unveiling and the launch of the Awesome Grace Care Calendar 2026 by the Dean, Faculty of the Social Sciences, UNN.
