Gombe State University Marks International Day of Persons with Disabilities with Landmark Event

Gombe State University (GSU), in collaboration with Mercy Corps and YOULEAD360, organized a significant event on December 2, 2024, to commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). The program, themed on fostering inclusion and accessibility for PWDs, drew stakeholders from diverse fields and highlighted GSU's commitment to inclusivity within the academic community.

The Acting Vice-Chancellor of GSU, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Danladi Muhammed Umar, led the University's delegation at the event. Participants included representatives from Mercy Corps, YOULEAD360, GSU’s International Relations and Development (INTERDEV) Office, faculty members, students, and leaders of PWD organizations.

Prominent attendees included Mrs. Zainab Tijjani, GSU’s Gender and Social Inclusion Officer; Ishaku Adamu, National Secretary of the Joint Association of Persons with Disabilities; Professor Mary Erasmus, representing the Dean of the Faculty of Education; and Mal. Usman Isa Ya’u, President of the GSU Students’ Representative Council (SRC).

In a heartfelt moment, Mr. Ishaku Adamu, a visually impaired lecturer in GSU’s Department of Political Science, shared his personal journey. He recounted how the University supported his education through scholarships and opportunities to pursue advanced studies abroad. Mr. Adamu lauded GSU for prioritizing PWDs but urged the institution to do more in terms of accessible infrastructure and support services.

Mrs. Zainab Tijjani, in her keynote address, highlighted the complexities of living with disabilities and acknowledged GSU's strides toward inclusivity. She also emphasized the challenges faced by PWDs, including infrastructural barriers, social stigma, and inadequate support services. Mrs. Tijjani called for collective efforts to create an environment where every individual can thrive.

Students with disabilities shared moving accounts of their experiences, spotlighting daily struggles and proposing actionable solutions.

Mrs. Christiana Wakawa, Mercy Corps’ Gender Advisor, detailed the organization's efforts under the Rural Resilience Activity (RRA) program to empower PWDs, emphasizing economic empowerment and capacity-building initiatives. Representatives from YOULEAD360 also reiterated their dedication to supporting GSU’s inclusivity agenda.

The event concluded with a unified commitment from GSU, Mercy Corps, and YOULEAD360 to advance a more inclusive academic environment. Plans for future collaboration aim to address existing gaps and enhance the experiences of all students, regardless of their abilities.