Haleem Olatunji
Mr. Adeyemi Olamilekan Idowu, a 400 level physically challenged student of the Faculty of Law, University of Ibadan, has lamented about the level of discrimination towards individuals with disabilities in the University of Ibadan, Nigeria and the world at large.
He made this cry while giving a special presentation at the finals of JawWar 2016, the largest public speaking event in the University of Ibadan, on Thursday 10th November 2016.
Mr. Idowu, who rode the University to victory during the bi-lateral debate between the institution and the University of Legon, Ghana, said that the world is filled with discrimination towards the disabled and the academic environment is not an exemption. He buttressed his point by giving instances of several structures in the University, including Trenchard Hall where the event held, that the architects during construction have failed to put into consideration, the physically challenged.
He expressed grief that the disabled have been sidelined in almost every areas ranging from securing admission, getting reading and writing materials, easy movement among others.
He added that he was neithe
r trying to point accusing fingers for the unequal treatment towards the disabled, nor was he saying that the University management has done nothing towards it, but he emphasized that more could be done as he articulated the level of pain and discomfort suffered by the disabled in a bid to survive the harsh, hostile and disparaging academic environment.
“I am not here to point accusation fingers, neither am I here to say that the University has done nothing, but I am here to say that we can do more, for there is room for more”, he said.
“We have physical disabilities but we are not liabilities to the University…..Give us a chance”, he added amidst tears.
Present at the event (JawWar 2016 Finals) was the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Idowu Olayinka, former Dean of Students, Professor A. Alada, the Deputy Dean of Students, Dr. Abiona, the Director of the institution’s Directorate of Public Communications, Mr. Tunji Oladejo, Dr. Demola Lewis, Mr. Tijani Mayowa, Mr. Fidelis Bonaventa among others.
