Emeka Desmond-Ozorji, a professor in the University of Jos (UNIJOS), has called for the establishment of a centre for disability studies in every university.
He spoke while delivering the 2nd Distinguished Lecture Series organised by the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), Oto-Ijanikin, Lagos.
His lecture was titled: ‘Inclusive Teacher’s Preparation for People with Special Needs’.
According to him, the primary goals of the centre will be to promote inclusive education, galvanise students’ support, mobilise social actions, and to be agents of change towards students with disabilities.
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Desmond-Ozorji noted that teachers need a deep understanding of the psychological and emotional needs of students with disabilities, adding that awareness of basic concepts such as impairment, disability, and handicap are important for effective teaching.
He explained that inclusive teacher preparation must be strongly supported by the activities of the centre, a disability policy, a disability-friendly environment and elimination of discrimination and rights denial.
Bilikis Lafiaji-Okuneye, LASUED vice-chancellor, described the lecture series as a platform for solution-oriented discourse aimed at addressing critical societal challenges.
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“This theme aligns closely with our university’s mandate and underscores our commitment to inclusive education, a global imperative as stated in Sustainable Development Goal 4 and the Nigerian National Policy on Education,” she said.
She affirmed that equitable access to quality education must be prioritised, regardless of students’ physical or mental abilities.
