By NAN

The National Commission for Persons with Disability (NCPWD) on Friday, in Abuja, received the developed curriculum for General Studies on Disability and Inclusive Development in tertiary institutions.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a team of academics, led by Prof. Julius Ademokoyo from the University of Ibadan, developed the Curriculum within five days.

Receiving the curriculum, Mr James Lalu, the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, said it was a dream come true for him.

“I am full with satisfaction and very happy, because this is a dream I had conceived even before my appointment as Executive Secretary.

“I see this as a first step to addressing issues of discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). When implemented, it would lead to robust interaction and friendship with everyone.

” I will make sure that we present this curriculum to the Ministers of Humanitarian Affairs, Education and the National Universities Commission, and others, to ensure that it is implemented.

“After this, we will still engage you for the development of the course manual so that lecturers and students will get focus and direction,” Lalu said.

He stressed that the Commission would do all it takes to change the narrative and improve the lives of PWDs, adding that he will put more effort to ensure that the curriculum is put to use in tertiary institutions in 2022.

He appreciated Ademokoyo and his team, stressing that money alone would not be enough to compensate them for their efforts.

Also speaking, Ademokoyo said that it was with a sense of appreciation and satisfaction that he presented the curriculum.

“It is great that the Executive Secretary initiated such a move. The first of its kind to study disability in Universities, Polytechnics, Colleges of Education and the National Institute of Strategic Studies, for inclusion of PWDs in the education curriculum.

” I want to appreciate all the participants for their sacrifices, that even on public holidays, they chose to work.

“We believe that this curriculum will bridge the gap between PWDs and others, to see and consider each other as one. We will have a society where everyone is respected and appreciated,” Ademokoyo said.

NAN reports that the high points of the event was the handing over of the curriculum to Lalu and the presentation of certificates to the participants. (NAN)