University don advocates for advancement of deaf education in higher learning, as Wesley University holds conference

Caleb Ohaeri

Professor of Speech Languages, Deaf Education and Dean, Faculty of Education, University of  Ibadan, Julius Ademokoya, has called for advancement of deaf education by training professional teachers.

Speaking as a guest speaker, at the international conference organised by Wesley University Ondo, in collaboration with Gallaudet University, Washington DC, USA , titled: ‘Empowering Deaf Learning in inclusive education, Prof. Ademokoya, emphasized on the need for an increase in the budgeting allocation to the education sector, saying the step would further boost its development and make a positive impact in the country.

The don said the development would not only advance effective learning but enable inclusive education plans for deaf learners and boost the development of education in Nigeria.

Describing the deaf and the People With Disabilities (PWD) as very vital in society, the educationist  commended the leadership of the National Assembly for introducing sign language interpreters in the two chambers and stressed the need for all tiers of government to give maximum attention to the advancement of deaf education and ensure equitable inclusive education plans for deaf learners.

The don, lamented over what he called stigmatisation and neglect of the deaf and members of the PWDs, he advocated the need for cultural and language barrier to meaningful inclusive education of the deaf persons into the society.

He  suggested the need for the government at all levels to include deaf students in mainstream educational institutions of learning.

He also stressed the need for policy formulation and advocacy related to deaf education.

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of Wesley University Ondo, Rt.  Prof.  Sunday Samuel Obeka, stated that the University aims to strengthen the teaching and inclusion of deaf programs across other regions in Africa.

The Executive Director of the Voice of Disability Initiative (VDI) Abuja, Nigeria, Barrister Eden Catherine, emphasized that inclusive education entails providing all necessary resources to ensure that every learners are fully supported in all sectors.

The Director of the National Resource Centre for the Disabled at the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo, Alhaji Dagbo Sulaiman Saka, stressed the importance of listening to deaf learners, as only they can express their grievances.

Dean of the College of Education and Director of Deaf and Special Needs Education at Wesley University Ondo, Dr. Soji Gabriel, commended the University for being the first private institution in Nigeria to truly practice inclusive education for deaf learners.

According to him, the deaf community needs to be understood as inclusion is not a choice but a right.