By: IndyPress News Desk

Professor Bukola Ruth Akinbola, an expert in Environmental Law and Human Rights at the University of Ibadan, has called for the enactment and stringent enforcement of anti-discrimination laws protecting people living with disabilities (PWDs). She believes this would help make the protection of PWDs’ rights a reality.

Professor Akinbola made these recommendations during the 571st Inaugural Lecture of the University of Ibadan, titled “Human Rights-Based Approach to the Quest for Social Justice for Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria.” Her lecture highlighted the need for a human rights-based approach to achieve social justice for PWDs in Nigeria.

According to Professor Akinbola, disability hinders seamless integration into society, and derogatory terms like “disabled,” “crippled,” and “mad” must be removed from Nigerian laws.

To address the challenges faced by PWDs, Professor Akinbola recommended mainstreaming disability in policies, programs, and practices that impact everyone’s welfare, safety, and development. She emphasizes the importance of affirmative action, inclusivity, and accessibility in all aspects of life.

She also proposed establishing independent and well-equipped “Disability Support Centres” in institutions with over 100 people to provide centralized support for PWDs.

Credit – Directorate of Public Communication