Paul University VC Pledges Automatic Admission for PWDs Recommended by JONAPWD in Anambra

By Praise Chinecherem

The Vice Chancellor of Paul University, Awka, Prof. Obiora Nwosu, has pledged to grant immediate admission to persons with disabilities (PWDs) recommended by the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Anambra State chapter.

Nwosu made the commitment during a community sensitisation programme on the rights of persons with disabilities and response mechanisms held in Nkpologwu Community, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The event brought together community leaders, government representatives and disability rights advocates, who reaffirmed their commitment to promoting inclusion and creating communities where persons with disabilities are empowered to participate fully in social and economic life.

Speaking at the event, Nwosu said, “We will offer immediate admission to any person with disability recommended to us by JONAPWD’s community coordinator, Mrs Chinenye Ezendu.”

The pledge highlights the importance of expanding educational opportunities for persons with disabilities and strengthening institutional support for inclusive education.

The representative of the President General of Nkpologwu Progressive Union, Okpala Naco, also pledged to construct a ramp at the community town hall to improve accessibility.

He further promised to increase the participation of persons with disabilities in community scholarship opportunities and sustain their inclusion in community committees.

The Public Relations Officer of Nkpologwu Community, Ezike Ugochukwu, pledged to raise awareness of disability rights across the community and Aguata Local Government Area.

Similarly, the Community Women Leader, Ajugo Amaka Rose, promised to champion the welfare and inclusion of persons with disabilities.

Aguata Council Chairman Pledges Scholarship Priority, Support for PWDs

The Chairman of Aguata Local Government Area, Chibueze Ofobuike, disclosed that persons with disabilities had been included among the beneficiaries of the state government’s empowerment programme.

Ofobuike also promised to prioritise persons with disabilities in the local government’s tertiary education scholarship applications and support future JONAPWD programmes, including the provision of assistive devices.

Demonstrating his support for the economic empowerment of PWDs, the council chairman purchased all the items displayed during the skills exhibition for distribution to participants.

Members of the Igwe-in-Council, meanwhile, pledged to convey the messages and resolutions of the programme to the traditional ruler of the community.

JONAPWD Calls for Meaningful Inclusion

Earlier, the State Chairman of JONAPWD, Comrade Ugochukwu-Ernest Okeke, urged stakeholders to champion the rights, dignity and inclusion of persons with disabilities in their communities.

Okeke called on traditional and religious leaders, families, community leaders and other stakeholders to move beyond sympathy and promote meaningful participation by PWDs in community affairs and decision-making.

Quoting the Igbo proverb, “Otu onye adịghị awa oji ta ya nanị ya,” he emphasised the importance of collective responsibility in advancing disability inclusion.

He added, “Nothing about persons with disabilities should be decided without their meaningful participation.”

The State Vice Chairman of JONAPWD, Comrade Ifeanyi Igwegbe, explained that the sensitisation programme was organised in response to widespread ignorance among persons with disabilities and other stakeholders about the existence and provisions of the Anambra State Disability Rights Law, 2018.

According to Igwegbe, the programme was designed to improve understanding of the law, its implementation and the responsibilities of stakeholders as disability rights ambassadors.

Disability Rights Law: Legal Adviser Highlights Key Provisions

In his presentation, the State Legal Adviser of JONAPWD, Barrister Peter Muoneke, outlined key provisions of the Anambra State Disability Rights Law, 2018.

The provisions cover protection against discrimination, access to justice, education, employment, healthcare, public infrastructure, marriage and family life, social participation and political participation.

Muoneke stressed that opportunities for persons with disabilities should be recognised as rights rather than acts of charity or favour.

He urged community leaders, political actors and other stakeholders to ensure that public spaces, programmes and activities are accessible and inclusive.

The event also featured a legal counselling session for persons with disabilities conducted by the JONAPWD legal team.

A skills exhibition showcased the productive abilities of persons with disabilities in agriculture, confectionery, soap-making, beadwork and other crafts.

The programme was organised with the support of the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme Phase II, funded by the European Union and implemented by International IDEA.

Copies of the Anambra State Disability Rights Law, 2018, were presented to stakeholders to promote wider awareness, understanding and implementation of the legislation.
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