A lecturer at the department of Social Sciences Education, University of Ilorin, Prof. Bolanle Olawuyi has recommended the inclusion of special education in the general studies in the nation’s tertiary institutions.
Olawuyi made the call at the 255th inaugural lecture of the university titled, ” People with disabilities and the celebration of life beyond limit” which she delivered.
The University lecturer charged the administrators in the education sector to convince the governments to ensure that every teacher training programme compulsorily include special education.
This, she said would make the society aware and appreciate the people living with disabilities and the causes of disabilities.
She said people living with disabilities could only be useful to the society if the societal stigma and barriers associated with them are removed.
“If the societal limitations and barriers are removed from the path of people with disabilities, they will be able to contribute a greater quota to national development wherever they find themselves.
“I look forward to a reorientation in the sign language curriculum to accommodate different dimensions of language to enable those with hearing impairment to be able to function in any country,” Olawuyi added.
She also called for the employment of more other professionals “that are helpful in providing inclusive education for people with disabilities,” urging the society to be conscious of the causes of disabilities and take precautions.
The lecturer further called for more accommodation and accessibility to persons with disabilities in the society.
