The Federal University of Education, Pankshin, has pledged equal opportunities in employment, education and accessibility for persons with disabilities.

Noel Wannang, the vice-chancellor, gave the assurance on Monday when he received members of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Plateau chapter.

Mr Wannang said he had advocated for the rights of persons with disabilities since serving as director of the General Studies Programme at the University of Jos.

He said the university was open to all qualified Nigerians, regardless of their physical condition, stressing that it did not discriminate against anyone.

“I am more interested in what people can offer than in their physical condition. I believe the only disability in a person’s life is a bad attitude,” he said.

The vice-chancellor said the federal government had policies promoting employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. He assured that the university would continue implementing such policies while providing accessible learning materials for staff and students with disabilities.

Mr Wannang also promised the development of disability-friendly infrastructure across the campus to improve accessibility and participation.

“We assure you that this university will do everything within its power to accommodate your members,” he said.

He added that the institution was open to further collaboration with JONAPWD to promote disability awareness within the university community.

The vice-chancellor said he had encountered many brilliant and resourceful persons with disabilities, assuring them of continued support.

Shindol Aaron, the Plateau JONAPWD chairman, said persons with disabilities still faced discrimination despite their qualifications and capabilities.

Mr Aaron commended the university management for employing some of the association’s members and appealed for additional employment opportunities.

“We are here to seek collaboration that will strengthen policies promoting inclusive education and equal opportunities for students and staff with disabilities,” he said.

He also appealed for improved access to university facilities and learning materials to enable persons with disabilities to participate fully.

Mr Aaron further sought disability-inclusion awareness training for academic and non-academic staff to improve understanding of their needs. According to him, JONAPWD has members in Plateau with qualifications ranging from National Diploma to Doctor of Philosophy.

He said many qualified persons with disabilities continued to face employment discrimination, despite their capacity to contribute meaningfully to society.

Mr Aaron added that empowering persons with disabilities would improve their livelihoods and enable them to contribute more effectively to national development.

The university registrar, Longtong Yadok, assured the association of continued institutional support and collaboration. Mr Yadok said the university would continue advancing inclusive education and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities.

(NAN)