Prof. Ozegya of FULAFIA Advocates for Enhanced Funding and Support for Disabled Students
During his inaugural lecture at the Federal University of Lafia, Prof. Abu Egwa Ozegya emphasized the urgent need for better funding and inclusive practices for the education of children with disabilities in Nigeria.
Mary Nwaeze 
Abu Egwa Ozegya, a professor of special needs education and rehabilitation sciences at the Federal University of Lafia (FULafia), has made a compelling case for prioritizing the education of children with disabilities. In his 18th professorial inaugural lecture, titled "Communication Strategies, Inclusive Practices, and Education of Children with Hearing Impairment," Ozegya emphasized the critical need for better funding to support effective learning and inclusivity for these children in Nigeria.
Held at the MIS Multi-Purpose Hall, Permanent Site Campus of FULafia, Prof. Ozegya addressed the challenges facing inclusive education in Nigeria. He noted that although inclusive education has commenced in many states, schools are often poorly equipped, specialist teachers are insufficient, and there is a lack of political will to implement inclusive policies. Moreover, children with special needs are still required to pay school fees at all levels of education.
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Prof. Ozegya proposed that achieving inclusive education requires the commitment of all stakeholders, including teachers, parents, curriculum developers, government, support service providers, and children with hearing impairments. He urged the management of FULafia to expand the FULafia Academy to include primary and secondary schools, making it a model of inclusion that accommodates learners with disabilities and provides excellent grounds for student teaching practice in the Faculty of Education.
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Furthermore, he called for the establishment of an institute of education at FULafia to address the training needs of in-service teachers in Nasarawa State and across Nigeria.
Vice-Chancellor of FULafia, Professor Shehu Abdul Rahman, congratulated Prof. Ozegya and his family, lauding his contributions to the development of special needs education at the university. Professor Josephine Odey, Chairman of the Inaugural Lecture Committee, commended FULafia for its genuine practice of inclusive education and highlighted Ozegya's significant contributions to the field.
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The event saw attendance from dignitaries and well-wishers, including Alhaji Abdullahi Amegwa Agbo III, the Osana of Keana; Hon. Mugu Yusuf, member of the Kaduna State House of Assembly; Hon. Margaret Elayo, Commissioner for Special Duties, Humanitarian Services, and NGOs in Nasarawa State; Mr. Osula Inarigu JP, the Osakyio of Owusakyio; as well as lecturers and students from various universities, including the University of Jos, University of Ibadan, Nasarawa State University, and the College of Education, Pankshin.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of a certificate, plaque, and gift to Prof. Ozegya by Vice-Chancellor Shehu Abdul Rahman.
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