Hon. Tolu Bankole Advocates Nationwide 75% Tuition Fee Reduction For Persons With Disabilities
All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee’s member and National Leader of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), Hon. Tolu Bankole, has commended the management of the Federal University of Lafia (FULAFIA), under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Professor Shehu Abdul Rahman, for its historic decision to approve a 75% reduction in all fees and charges for students with disabilities, alongside the provision of free e-learning resources. He said the policy, which takes immediate effect, is a shining example of institutional foresight and empathy.
Bankole said, ” It reflects a deep understanding of the challenges confronting persons with disabilities in their pursuit of education and demonstrates genuine compliance with the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018.
“Section 17 (1) of the Act provides that “a person with disability shall have an unfettered right to education without discrimination or segregation in any form,” while Section 17 (2) mandates that “all public educational establishments shall be run to be inclusive of and accessible to persons with disabilities.” By implementing this policy, FULAFIA has gone beyond compliance—it has set a new national standard for inclusive education that prioritizes access, equity, and dignity.
“I praise FULAFIA for showing leadership where it matters most. This decision is not only a milestone for inclusive learning but a model that must be replicated across the country. Education is the foundation of social inclusion, and reducing financial barriers for students with disabilities is an investment in a fairer, more equitable Nigeria.”
He however urged the Federal Government to immediately adopt FULAFIA’s policy as a national template and work with the National Assembly to codify it into law for uniform implementation across all federal institutions. He added that state Governments should domesticate similar policies through their respective Houses of Assembly to align with the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, ensuring that every state provides equal access to quality education for persons with disabilities.
“The Federal and State Governments, in collaboration with the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), should establish functional offices across all 36 states and the FCT. This will enhance coordination, ensure proper documentation, and facilitate efficient monitoring of students benefiting from such inclusion policies. With over 30 million Nigerians estimated to be living with one form of disability, inclusive education is no longer optional—it is essential. It ensures that no one is left behind in our collective journey toward progress and national development.
“As I have often emphasized, “A nation cannot claim to be progressive while excluding a significant segment of its population from access to opportunities. Inclusive education is not an act of charity—it is justice, equity, and a constitutional duty.”
I also commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his continued commitment to inclusive governance under the Renewed Hope Agenda. I urge our amiable President to make the adoption of this educational inclusion policy a national beacon of hope for Persons with Disabilities across Nigeria. By supporting and institutionalizing this policy, the President will strengthen his legacy of fairness, justice, and genuine inclusivity for millions of Nigerians living with disabilities”, Bankole noted.
