The Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Dr. James David Lalu has reassured Nigerians of the Federal Government’s commitments to transforming the enormous opportunities in the entire value chain of the production of Assistive Technology into a top foreign exchange earner for the country.
Lalu disclosed this in Abuja, when he received in audience the Management team of the Nasarawa State University (NSUK), led by their new Vice Chancellor, Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman.
In his address, the Executive Secretary reiterated that the Commission had already gone into partnership with the Institution; stating that the newly appointed Vice Chancellor had taken a cue from her predecessor in order to strengthen the ties between both Institutions.
He opined that the VC has started on a very positive note which is capable of leaving endearing footprints on the Institution’s sands of time, adding that the Commission is working closely with a couple of Universities in Nigeria to offer Disability studies where Engineering students can be awarded a degree in Disability Engineering and Accessibility studies.
He further revealed that the ultimate target is the reopening of the Disability Skill-Centres across the country as well as effective Accessible structural designs in Architecture.
The Commission’s boss further highlighted the enormous opportunities around Assistive Technology and urged the leadership of the University to gear up for the challenges ahead by showcasing the Nation’s skilled manpower to the rest of the world.
He added that this gesture will create the escape route from poverty for persons with Disabilities.
The ES, however, informed that the services of professionals such as Physiotherapists will be engaged to do health need assessments before the devices are manufactured.
In addition, the Executive Secretary underscored the Goal 11 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which borders on the disability inclusions as a factor necessary for the infrastructural development of the society that will accommodate the needs of Persons with Disabilities.
He, therefore, seized the occasion to appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering commitments towards supporting the overall improvement of the lives of Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria.
Earlier in her opening remarks, the new Vice Chancellor, Nasarawa State University, Professor Saadatu Hassan-Liman who was full of gratitude, appreciated the Executive Secretary for receiving her and other members of the school Management team.
She used the platform to assure the Commission of their dedication towards reinvigorating the special Needs Department of the University.
Saadatu stated that the visit was to strengthen the partnership that had existed between the Institution and the Commission in order to foster better cooperation in the near future.
