The Modibbo Adama University of Technology (MAUTECH) Yola in an effort to mark the international Day of persons with disabilities (IDPF) had its formal Assembly of people living with disabilities in the state.
A speech delivered by the Dean school of Environmental sciences,Professor Felix A. Ilesanmi opined that all people may some how living in a form of disabilities (handicaps).
According to him in the society we live short persons seek the assistance of tall people and stronger family members help weaker ones to achieve strength demanding tasks.
“some of us have our best and worst seasons of the year and many of us are limited by our education achievements,skills,class ,race, opportunities, privileges and conditions of birth. In order words, we all have our handicapping conditions either tagged functional limitation,partial or full blown disabilities. ” Felix said
He further said that “some of us are here today because we have come to understand that many people living with disabilities did not make themselves Disabled. Not because of their sins or their parents. If for no other reason, this is a sufficient reason to identify with this group of our society, to see how we can alleviate their sufferings.”
The organizer of the program and a lecturer in the department of industrial design, Mrs Esther Dokyoung and convened by school of Environmental Design, University Guidance and Counseling Unit with total support of the entire institution, told participants that the meeting is to celebrate their creative talents than the disabilities in them.
According to her the United Nations has set aside this day to celebrate persons living with one impairment or the other therefore no one should bemoan his or her condition.
“Let’s celebrate our creative talents,this programme is to expose creatively talented persons. This is the first gathering of people with disabilities (PWD) in MAUTECH,aimed at bringing all students with disabilities to interact, speak out, make their voices heard and be integrated into full activities.” She said
Esther also said the system of the country’s university education should operate an inclusive system having all kind of people with disabilities.
“MAUTECH will particularly provide accessibility to assistive devices, entrepreneurial skills, inclusive education and human rights. The department of Industrial Design is positioned to assist and equip people with various forms of impairment with artistic and technical skills to be self reliant.” Added
Awards was given to the most excellent creative arts, Ibrahim Idris received an award as the best shoe maker, An Award of the best macramé goes to Ruth Ibrahim and the best tailor Award was received by Anduwa Jonathan.
