Amidst relevant national and international laws and standards, Umoru Precious, a Nigerian living with a disability, has been denied access to education by the Edo State College of Nursing Sciences.

This denial of admission occurred despite Precious paying N335,000 in instalments and going through a physical interview process, as reported by SaharaReporters. The school, established in 1954 by the Western Region Government to train nurses, has withdrawn Precious’ admission, citing her “not being flexible enough” due to her bent posture.

This action is in clear violation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018 recently passed in Nigeria, which guarantees the right to education without discrimination or segregation for persons with disabilities. The Act also mandates that all public educational establishments be inclusive and accessible to persons with disabilities.

Furthermore, Nigeria has adopted the National Policy on Special Needs Education in 2015, which emphasizes the right to free, compulsory, and basic education for every child, as outlined in the Child Rights Act.

ALSO READ: Tragic! Zamfara state nurse slumps and dies while on duty

Precious, who has been vocal about her situation, has called on Governor Godwin Obaseki and human rights organizations to come to her aid, stating that she has a right to education and that Edo State College of Nursing Sciences is taking it away from her. When contacted, the school suggested that Precious make a complaint in person, but withdrawing admission after issuing it is unusual, according to SaharaReporters.

As this case gains attention, it highlights the urgent need to enforce existing laws and standards that protect the rights of persons with disabilities to access education without discrimination. It is imperative for the government, educational institutions, and human rights organizations to take swift action and ensure that Precious and other individuals with disabilities are not denied their fundamental right to education.

Promoting inclusive and accessible education for all, regardless of disability, is crucial for building an inclusive society that respects and upholds the rights of all its citizens.