By – Emmanuel Adebayo
In a bid to make this year’s Jaw War Inter-Hall and Inter-Faculty public speaking competition more inclusive, the leadership of The Literary and Debating Society, University of Ibadan has made a commitment to meet the special conditions required for people with special needs.
The commitment of the society is coming on the heels of a request it received from the Nigerian Association of Special Education Students, University of Ibadan (NASES-UI) signed by its President, Ayanwole Boluwatife and General Secretary, Juliana Joseph.
In the request, the departmental association decried the absence of a conducive environment for special students in past editions of the competition.
“However, in order to practice inclusiveness as one of the policies of 21st century education and in order to make individuals with special needs feel carried along in the forthcoming debating event on campus called Jaw War, we hereby request and seek the indulgence of the Union and Jaw war organizers over providing maximum support and appropriate enabling environment for people,” the letter read in part.
In a response signed by its General Secretary, Ugochukwu Chineke, the society expressed its commitment to ensure inclusiveness during this year’s competition scheduled to start on Monday.
“We received your letter with the warmest pleasure as regards the forthcoming Jaw War competition. This very event is a true reflection of the inclusion of all with the exception of none; hence, we are pleased to have you on board,” Ugochukwu wrote on behalf of the literary and debating society.
Meanwhile, in a circular on Friday, the department’s President expressed delight about the new development.
“I am pleased, glad, and excited to announce to you that we have fought through inclusiveness in some of the big and top intellectual activities on University of Ibadan campus. As the President of the Nigerian Association of Special Education Students, U.I (NASES-UI), even though I’m leading the students at the department, that doesn’t make other special needs students who aren’t from the department of Special Education suffer.
“For this reason, I’m glad to announce to everyone that this year’s Jaw War will be different and its difference will forever be a legacy that will be forever followed. Nobody will be left behind in this forthcoming event, everyone will be carried along including those with disabilities,”the circular read.
