How AAUA PWDs Are Promoting Inclusion

By Kemisola Owonikoko

Students with Disabilities (PWD) at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, AAUA, are promoting inclusion through their orientation events for new students, to encourage advocacy for students with disabilities within the academic community.

The event, held at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Campus Hostel, AAUA, yesterday, marked the second edition of this initiative aimed at fostering the inclusion of special students on campus.

In an interview with ECHO MEDIA, the chairman of the organizing committee, Ridwan Adegboye, a 400-level student of Mass Communication expressed the committee's dedication to creating a platform that not only addresses the unique needs of PWD students but also celebrates their achievements and potential.

Adegboye emphasized the importance of fostering inclusivity in all aspects of campus life, advocating for dedicated sections within school programs to directly engage and support PWD students.

"I am proud to be part of this program designed for students with disabilities in AAUA. The program began last year, and we are happy that we were able to sustain it. And we hope that we continue.

"We realized that we were the only people left behind when it has to do with freshmen's orientation. And we thank God for the graduates among us who put it together and for kickstarting this program last session, just to orientate and celebrate our fresh students.

"Generally, the school has been including us in their programs. But ordinarily, there should be a section of orientation for new PWD students. Such an orientation program will speak directly to the students with disabilities, to promote the school's efforts in taking care of students with disabilities," Adegboye said.

Another committee member, Ogundijo Ibukun, a student of Political Science Education, also emphasized the significance of the orientation in raising awareness and promoting understanding among the student body.

"One of the purposes of this orientation is to let people know that we also exist inside the school premises, to let people know that there is ability in disability. So we just brought some ideas together, and the program commenced last year. And we still did it this year. Although I was the chairman of the freshman edition last year, to be frank, this one surpassed last year because people turned up," he said.

Ibukun stressed the need for proactive support from special students, urging the campus community to embrace inclusivity and offer assistance where needed to ensure a truly supportive academic environment for all.

One of the new students with a disability, Ganiyu Ayomide, from the Department of Political Science and Education, said, "I learned a lot because since I got to this school, it wasn't easy to navigate my way on the school premises, but due to the advice and experience that were given by the senior colleagues and guests that were invited, I gained the strength and courage to stand my ground."

Also, Ajibade Ololade, from the Department of Education and Social Studies, said, "The first day I heard that I was admitted to Adekunle Ajasin, I was very happy. I almost did not expect it because there are my mates that we both applied for admission but weren't admitted. Given my status as disabled, my chances of getting admitted were slim, but then, here I am."

The year's orientation program, however, featured other activities such as a chanting competition, goodwill messages, and donations.