By Ikenna Nwokedi
The Centre for Disability and Special Needs Research (CENDASNER), Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka on Tuesday, 1st August, 2023 held the Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony of UNIZIK Skill Acquisition Training Building for Students with Disabilities.
The event which took place at CENDASNER office premises opposite the University’s Digital Library had in attendance UNIZIK Vice-Chancellor, Staff and Students gracing the occasion.
In his address, UNIZIK Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Esimone, stated that the occasion gives him great pleasure to pioneer the foundation stone laying of UNIZIK Skill Acquisition training centre for people with disabilities.
The Vice-Chancellor revealed that the vision commenced with conceptualization of the need to obtain data of students with disabilities in the institution. He said that the Directorate now have a database which has aided in giving these students the platform to know about the Centre and opportunity to provide necessary support to them in ensuring that their stay in the institution is worthwhile.
Prof. Esimone emphasized that the motto of the centre is “Ability in Disability’ and lately, the University is practicalizing the motto, by not just having a building for skill acquisition training but one to be manned by people with disabilities to demonstrate that there is ability in disability.
The scholar recalled that during his trip to Israel, a certain scholar approached and commended him for the centre and the significant role it plays in helping the physically challenged and visually impaired students at UNIZIK as against what is obtainable in other institutions.
Prof. Esimone appreciated the centre for creating visibility for the University and pledged support to market the products from the centre with expected patronage from the entire University community. The VC promised that the university management will give retainership for the centre to ensure that the students are kept busy and paid for the services they will render.
He urged them to always be good ambassadors of the UNIZIK brand and not relent in their endeavour because in the Directorate they have a home away from a home.
On his part, the Director of CENDASNER, Prof. Williams Emeka Obiozor stated that the establishment of CENDASNER by the present administration led by Prof. Esimone is to identify students and staff that need support system both in academic, training, guidance counselling and other aspects to ensure young people who are visually impaired and those with physical challenge can acquire formal education without hitches.
Prof. Obiozor informed that the Centre had initially kicked off with 11 students but now have over 80 students and the VC ensures the welfare of students with disabilities is paramount which is why in December 2022, some students got financial support of N50,000 and other incentives.
Prof. Obiozor said that in recent times, they have procured facilities domiciled at UNIZIK Digital Library for students with disabilities which they can access to learn some skills and earn a living. He noted that two years ago, the visually impaired students embarked on a “yes I can” project where some produced liquid soaps, air fresheners and other products which led the VC making a promise that the University will be there number one customer.
The CENDASNER Director informed that the upcoming Skill Acquisition Training building which is under construction is being carried out on direct labour. He disclosed that the building will also house a business centre managed by students with disability in keying into the ‘Project 200’ vision of the Vice-Chancellor. The scholar called on individuals and corporate organizations to support the project aimed at empowering the disabled.
In his response, the President of the Visually Impaired Students of UNIZIK, Isaac Joshua Odjuwu thanked the Vice-Chancellor for his immense support and opportunities provided for students with Disabilities in the institution. Odjuwu disclosed that under the leadership of Prof. Esimone, admission for them is now a first priority and seamless exercise unlike in the past.
Mr Odjuwu, a 400 level student of the Department of Political Science, stated that the coming of CENDASNER has ensured that they have a home away from home. He thanked the VC and Prof. Obiozor for the innovation behind the construction of a building to empower the visually impaired and physically challenged to learn some skills towards adding value to their lives and the society.
He appealed to the VC to continue to do more while praying God to further energize the Vice-Chancellor with his vision for ‘Project 200’
In a vote of thanks, the Deputy Director of CENDASNER, Dr. Joy Sylvia Obi appreciated all for coming to the event, most especially, the Vice-Chamcellor for making out time to be with them despite all he has been doing for the centre. The scholar noted that the centre is in support of the motivation and vision behind ‘Project 200’ as people are attesting to the global outlook of the centre.
Dr. Obi opined that the Vice-Chancellor’s remarks is enough motivation and encouragement as he is a leader that keeps to his words having promised that the building project will be completed before the end of the year and ready for commissioning.
Dr. Obi also disclosed that the centre has improved with introduction of Guidance and Counselling and a support base in the mould of skill acquisition which is in conformity with the domains of education. She charged the students to look away from discrimination and all forms of stigmatization and see that there is ability in disability.
Highpoints of the occasion was the foundation stone laying of the building performed by UNIZIK Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Esimone. Also present during the event was the Director of Business Ventures, Dr. Uche Ngenegbo.
