RE:MOTION FOR THE UPGRADE OF FEDERAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION (SP)-A REJOINDER.
 
The motion moved by Honourable Prince Akeem Adeyemi , representing Oyo Federal Constituency , on the floor of the House of Representatives, Abuja, for urgent upgrade of the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo, to University status is timely, visionary and judicious. It echoed a concern shared by those who have identified with, and testified to the vital role the College continue to play in the production of professionals whose work  illuminate the field of Special Needs Education, and whose dedication to the provision of excellent education for students with special needs is renowned not only in the country, but also beyond our shore.

This call by Honourable Akeem Adeyemi, coming in the wake of recent approval given for the upgrade to University status of five similar Colleges of Education, goes beyond mere patriotism. It is a call deserving the supports of all stakeholders, special education professionals, the public and other well meaning individuals.

Nigerian Deaf Teachers Association is supportive of this call. We believe that granting University status to the College will pave the way for improved standard in the quality of personnel who will go on to facilitate the teaching and development of students with special needs. Furthermore , it offers a ray of hope to thousands of students with special needs education who struggle to acquire university education in a supportive and facilitative environment.

NIDETA has noted with increasing concerns reported cases where the education of students with hearing impairment has been abruptly terminated  by ill-informed and ill-equipped Universities on the basis that such hearing impaired students are "medically challenged." Other cluster of students with varying degree of disabilities also have their studies disrupted. Systematic discrimination and the absence of enabling access would all be resolved if an upgrade is granted to the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo.

While we appreciate this initiative taken by  Hon (Prince) Akeem Adeyemi, we call on his team not to relent but to be steadfast and resolutely commit their time and energy to the actualisation of this noble effort. We also wish to call on both chambers to expedite action on this proposal, liaise with the National university Commission, the Federal Ministry of education to begin the process of upgrading the College.

We at NIDETA wish to use this opportunity to call on government at all levels, especially the Federal Government, the Nigerian Governors Forum,Northern governors forum, Progressive Governors forum, the diaspora citizens of Nigeria,  Human Rights bodies, NGOs and members of the general public,to join us by rising to the challenge, and offer us their support  with due regard to the initiative of Prince Akeem Adeyemi and his team. This proposal to upgrade the Federal College of Education to the status of a degree awarding tertiary institution is timely and greatly appreciated.
Thanks



At NIDETA, we look forward to witnessing a new chapter in the education of special needs persons in the country and thus open hitherto shut doors of opportunities and inclusiveness.



Signed.

Omopariola Bolarinwa Anthony
NIDETANPRO