UNICAL VC Advocate for Urgent Implementation of Disability Act in Nigeria
The Albino Foundation Public Notice
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Banku Obi, has advocated promulgation of laws that are implementable disability friendly across the country.
Speaking after receiving the Nigeria Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) Fellowship Award held at the Council Chamber of the University of Calabar on Monday, said special educators can no longer be mistreated, maligned or sidelined as in the past because their status in society is becoming more acceptable and influential than ever.
Appreciating the honour done her, the Vice Chancellor described it as a dream realised, vision achieved and mission accomplished,adding that NASET has come a long way as it had touched several lives and given hope to so many people in society in its 34 years of existence.
According to her, “lawmakers should not just to make laws but ensure that such laws that are implementable are disability friendly thereby expressing the confidence that the President Bola Tinubu-led administration will give attention and priority to inclusivity.
“The advocacy efforts started hears back have yielded fruits as evidenced in the promulgation of a law directing establishments to modify their buildings to accommodate people with disability, setting up of a Disability Commission and appointment of some of them as Special Assistants.
“I, therefore, call on the leaders not to relent in their good work but to continue to work for the improvement and overall well-being of NASET.
In an earlier address, shortly after conferring the Fellow Award, the National President of (NASET),Dr Catherine Atteng described Obi as a “Professor Protagoras” whose
fellowship and mentorship has added profound values to NASET as a body and the University of Calabar.
Dr Atteng commended the VC for her proven her leadership a mentorship, adding that despite the lingering societal moral decadence, Prof Obi has continued to promote qualitative and quantitative education, prioritise staff and Students’ welfare as well fight cultism.
