The National Alumni Association of the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo on Thursday honoured the Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, Hon Akeem Adeyemi, a Federal lawmaker and Professor Taoheed Adedoja Former Minister for Sports and Special Duties at the 1st Alumni Lecture Series and Award Presentation held at the school premises.
Also, the school provost Provost, Professor Kamoru Olayiwola Usman Oyo, Prof Kyauta Ibrahim, Rev. David Olukayode Ige, Alhaji Garuba Mohammed, Dr Babatunde Razaq Ismaila, Alhaji Mamuda Galadima, Mr Adeyinka Afonja, Mr Lawrence Idemudia Edelifo and other were honoured at the lecture organized in honour of Dr Theo Ajiboye, an Alumnus who has attained the highest office ever occupied by any member of alumni of the school.
Engineer Seyi Makide who was represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Disability Matters, Barrister Ayodele Adekanmbi said the government of Oyo state is ready to implement policies that will make life bearable and easy for people with disability.
The National President of Association, Dr Oladimeji Mojeed Ajao in his welcome address said “Today is an auspicious day for the National Alumni Association of this College. We are gathered here today to set the cause for history as we inaugurate the first in the series of Annual Public Lecture of this noble association. This milestone is in celebration of the achievements of one of us who has attained the highest office ever occupied by any member of alumni of this college, Dr Theo Ajobiewe being the first alumni member to be appointed a Deputy Provost and member of the College Management.”
Oladimeji appreciated the President Muhammadu Buhari –led government and the 8th National Assembly over the passing and signing of the bill that criminalizes discrimination against persons with disabilities into law. He also frowned at the lackadaisical attitude towards the implementation of the law.
He said “The Federal Government recently signed into law a bill that criminalizes discrimination against persons with disabilities. For this feat, Giving the Nigerian lackadaisical attitude to implementation of law, the question we ask is ‘Inclusive Education and Prohibition of Discrimination Against People With Disability Act: Are We Ready?”
The guest lecturer, Professor Julius Abiola Ademokoya , the former Dean of the Faculty of Education, University of Ibadan, while delivering his lecture titled “Implementation of Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities (Prohibition) Act For Effective Inclusive Education In Nigeria” said that the passing and signing of the Prohibition Discrimination Against People With Disability (PWD) is a welcome development but the law needs some review to ensure it deliversthe its goals.
He said “The promulgation of the prohibited discrimination against PWD is a very welcome development. Indeed, it is a long-awaited development expected to catalyse full integration of PWD into the Nigerian mainstream and facilitate equalization of all opportunities for like other Nigerians. However, the law in its present form requires some review to ensure it excellently deliver its goals when eventually implemented.”
Also speaking, the Provost of the institution, Professor Kamoru Olayiwola Usman appreciated the alumni association.
He hinted on the plan of the school management towards upgrading the institution to a degree-awarding institution.
