Tolu Bankole, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the party’s National Working Committee, has urged the Federal Government to establish and implement a comprehensive national policy that ensures free education and healthcare services for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) across Nigeria.
In a heartfelt statement released in Abuja on Wednesday, Bankole highlighted how the current economic challenges, particularly the rising costs of medications and assistive devices, are placing an excessive burden on Nigerians living with disabilities.
“I strongly advocate for free education—from primary through tertiary levels—and free healthcare for PWDs as a national policy. This is not just a need; it is a matter of social justice,” he emphasized.
According to the APC leader, inclusive education is both a fundamental right and a critical tool for achieving self-reliance, employment, and full economic inclusion for PWDs. He noted that with access to quality education, people with disabilities are better equipped to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s growth, support their families, and lead lives of dignity.
“Education is key to self-sufficiency and a gateway to economic empowerment. When PWDs have access to learning, they can lift themselves out of poverty and exclusion,” he said.
On the issue of healthcare, Bankole lamented the skyrocketing costs of medicines, assistive technologies, and specialised care required by PWDs.
“Healthcare is a basic human right. The soaring prices of essential drugs and medical services have made them unaffordable for many PWDs. Without urgent intervention, countless individuals are left to suffer in silence. This cannot be allowed to continue,” he warned.
He appealed to the Federal Government to introduce a dedicated subsidy programme for the health and education of PWDs—providing them with free, high-quality medical care and accessible learning opportunities at all levels.
Commending the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Bankole called on the administration to intensify efforts toward improving the lives of over 30 million Nigerians with disabilities by implementing focused and inclusive social protection measures.
“Genuine inclusion requires deliberate action. As we work to uplift the most vulnerable, we must reduce the unique hardships faced by PWDs,” he asserted.
He also encouraged state governments, local authorities, and private sector stakeholders to collaborate in ensuring that no Nigerian with a disability is denied access to education or healthcare due to their condition or economic status.
Bankole reaffirmed his personal commitment to continued engagement with government institutions and lawmakers to push for the full implementation of this vision, in line with international standards and the provisions of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018.
