By CALEB ISHAYA
A Member of the All Progressives Congress APC, National Working Committee and National Leader of Persons with Disabilities PWDs, Tolu Bankole, has called on the Federal and State Governments to adopt a nationwide policy mandating a 75% reduction in tuition and other fees for students with disabilities in all public tertiary institutions.
Bankole made the appeal while commending the management of the Federal University of Lafia (FULAFIA) for approving a 75% reduction in fees and charges for students with disabilities, as well as the provision of free e-learning resources under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Professor Shehu Abdul Rahman.
Describing the move as “a shining example of institutional foresight and empathy,” Bankole said the initiative demonstrates genuine compliance with the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, particularly Section 17, which guarantees inclusive and non-discriminatory education for persons with disabilities.
“FULAFIA has gone beyond compliance it has set a new national standard for inclusive education that prioritizes access, equity, and dignity,” Bankole stated.
He urged the Federal Government to adopt the university’s policy as a national template and work with the National Assembly to legislate it for uniform implementation across all federal tertiary institutions. He also called on State Governments to domesticate similar measures through their respective Houses of Assembly to ensure equal educational opportunities for persons with disabilities nationwide.
In addition, Bankole recommended that both levels of government collaborate with the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) to establish functional offices across the 36 states and the FCT for proper documentation, coordination, and monitoring of beneficiaries.
Citing the estimated 30 million Nigerians living with disabilities, he emphasized that inclusive education is not optional but essential for national development.
“A nation cannot claim to be progressive while excluding a significant segment of its population from access to opportunities. Inclusive education is not an act of charity—it is justice, equity, and a constitutional duty,” he said.
Bankole also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his commitment to inclusive governance under the Renewed Hope Agenda, urging him to adopt and institutionalize FULAFIA’s policy as a national benchmark for educational inclusion.
