A lecturer at the Department of Social Sciences Education, University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Prof. Bolanle Olawuyi, has recommended the inclusion of special education in the general studies programme of universities.
Olawuyi, who made the call at the 255th inaugural lecture of the university, titled: “People with disabilities and the celebration of life beyond limit”, charged administrators in the education sector to prevail on the government to ensure that every teacher’s training programme compulsorily includes special education.
This, she said, would make society aware and appreciate people living with disabilities and the causes of such. She said people living with disabilities could only be useful to society if the societal stigma and barriers associated with them are removed.
“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 professionals “that would help in providing inclusive education for people with disabilities,” urging society to be conscious of the causes of disabilities and take precautions.
