By Stephen Waya
As the 2025 academic session enters its eighth week, many students with disabilities across Kaduna State remain at home not due to a lack of willingness to learn, but because their schools are yet to receive the feeding funds required to resume full activities.
In both the Kaduna Rehabilitation Centre and the Jama’a Local Government Rehabilitation Centre, the release of feeding funds is still pending, preventing students from returning to their classrooms. A similar situation took place last term, affecting academic progress and slowing down the rehabilitation and skill-acquisition journey of these young learners.
Beyond feeding, the rehabilitation centres have also experienced challenges for over three years in providing start-up packages, vital materials and tools that enable graduates to transition into independent and productive livelihoods after completing their training.
These gaps highlight the need for strengthened support to the Kaduna State Disability Affairs Board, the institution legally mandated to manage disability-related matters and ensure effective service delivery. Timely release of allocated funds will greatly enhance its ability to fulfill its mission.
Despite these challenges, it is important to acknowledge the significant steps already taken toward inclusive governance. His Excellency Governor Uba Sani demonstrated genuine commitment by appointing a person with disability as the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Disability Matters, a milestone that has inspired five Local Government Areas to follow suit by appointing their own Special Assistants on Disability Matters. This positive momentum shows that Kaduna State is moving in the right direction, and further action will strengthen these gains.
Inclusive governance is a continuous process, and ensuring that children with disabilities can learn, grow, and thrive is central to that vision. Education is not merely an opportunity, it is a right. Supporting the rehabilitation centres with timely resources will empower students to become skilled artisans, innovators, and leaders who contribute meaningfully to the development of our beloved state.
A Call to Strengthen the Progress Already Made
To sustain and build upon the positive steps already taken, we respectfully appeal to the Kaduna State Government, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Development, the Planning and Budget Commission (PBC), and the State Ministry of Finance to kindly consider the following:
1. Release feeding funds promptly to the rehabilitation centres so that students can resume without delay.
2. Ensure consistent and timely budgetary support to the Disability Affairs Board to enhance effective service delivery.
3. Provide start-up packages for graduating trainees to enable them to begin sustainable, independent livelihoods.
4. Work closely with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), the Media, and disability advocates to strengthen monitoring, transparency, and accountability.
The true essence of inclusive governance is reflected not only in policy commitments but also in deliberate actions that uplift and empower every citizen especially those who depend on our collective support.
Kaduna State has already taken commendable steps,with continued collaboration and timely action, we can ensure that no child with a disability is left behind.
Their education matters. Their dreams matter.
And together, we can help secure their future.
By Stephen Waya
Disability Advocate
