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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 Thursday, 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, themed “Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges: A New Era of Accessibility,” brought together university officials, traditional rulers, disability rights advocates and students to discuss practical ways to 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 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 policymakers to support programs that promote accessibility and empower persons with disabilities within and beyond the university environment.
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.
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