Deaf community seeks special varsity for members

The Deaf Community has called for the support of the Federal Government to establish a special university for the over 17 million deaf people in the country.

Leader of the Association for the Deaf in Abuja, Dr. Khadijat Rashid, made the call when some members visited the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Anthony Anwukah.

Rashid, who is also the Dean, School of Education, Business and Human Services, Gallaudet University, Washington, said the establishment of the university was important to help the hearing-impaired citizens experience university education.

According to her, many deaf people who are Nigerians are working with the Wesley University owned by the Methodist Church of Nigeria.

“We want the government of Nigeria to establish a deaf university in the country that will help the over 17 million deaf citizens service their needs.

“The Wesley University owned by the Methodist church is not depending on Federal Government funds to open a campus for the deaf. The university has other funding sources. What we want from the government is approval of our programmes, and students should be encouraged to come and qualify for admission into that university.