Accessibility for All: UNILAG Ensures Inclusivity for Students Living With Disabilities

By: Okwun Precious, Ebhomien Favour, Arowolo Feyisayo, and Emmanuel Confidence 

“Being disabled doesn’t stop you from being successful in life. What makes you successful is you,” said Amos Falola in an interview with UNILAG Sun. 

“I haven’t faced discrimination from colleagues, and they’ve been welcoming,” Falola added. “Even in the hostels, we’re treated with respect.”

Falola, a physically challenged student, is in his sophomore year studying Maths Education at the University of Lagos (UNILAG). Despite persisting challenges, he has all but glowing praise for how the university has catered for disabled students. But he doesn’t hold this view alone. His story echoes sentiments expressed by other physically challenged students at the university. 

UNILAG is setting the standard for inclusivity in higher institutions, ensuring students living with disabilities thrive with support facilities and equal opportunities.

Isaac Ajibade, a visually impaired 300-level History and Strategic Studies student agrees with this. He shared how UNILAG’s commitment to accessibility was a decisive factor in his decision to pursue his degree at the institution. 

“UNILAG is one of the best institutions for people with disabilities,” Ajibade said. “We have air-conditioned halls for exams and are given extra time alongside people to assist in reading exam questions. The facilities and support make learning easier for us.”

Ajibade’s experience tallies with that of many students living with disabilities, who had benefited from the ramps strategically placed across campus, enabling mobility and independence. 

While there may be tendencies for students living with disabilities to face discrimination on campus, it is reassuring that UNILAG makes efforts to raise awareness and reduce stigmatisation.

Student experiences

Victor Ajani, a partially visually impaired third-year student of Educational Foundations, appreciates the sense of community at UNILAG. Victor commended departments like History and Strategic Studies for providing basic amenities to enhance their well-being.

Ajani also credits the National Association of Nigerian Visually Impaired Students (NANVIS-UNILAG), which has supported members, fostering a sense of community among them for over 20 years. The association recently introduced a ninth department to amplify the voices of students with disabilities on campus. Ajani believes greater university recognition and support would enhance NANVIS’s impact.

Like NANVIS, the Just Abled Music and Creative Expressions (JAMACE) Foundation, held the Inner-Ability Summit on December 5th 2024. This summit was hosted in partnership with NANVIS. Designed to uplift and empower people living with disabilities, the program saw their skills for self-expression, advocacy, and social impact. 

Among other things, the presence of these associations in the institution has made it easy for students living with disabilities to navigate their way to attain excellence in the UNILAG.

While UNILAG has made commendable efforts, students with disabilities believe the management can do more. Ajani noted that conscious efforts at recognition and increased support from the university would amplify the association’s work.

Falola also expressed his struggles accessing classes. “My coursemates carry me and my wheelchair from the ground floor through the staircase for me to attend classes. I always pray I don’t fall. The university needs to provide easier access for us.”

Ajibade suggested adding a disability button to the student portal and a complaints desk in the Dean of Students’ Affairs office for swift responses. “This would reduce stress and make the campus more inclusive for everyone,” he added. 

For people like Falola and Ajibade, UNILAG is an inclusive institution that provides a conducive environment for learning and growth for all individuals, including the disabled. They acknowledge the persistence of certain systemic challenges that need to be solved by the management. However, they harp on the role of physically challenged individuals themselves in ensuring their well-being by being less standoffish.  

Ajibade spoke on the importance of stepping out of one’s shell and embracing the social opportunities the university provides. He said: “As long as you are sociable, you can socialise in UNILAG.”