馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Lagos commits to improving education and healthcare access for persons with deafblindness
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs has reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing policies and programs for the inclusion and welfare of persons with deafblindness. This commitment was made during a policy roundtable, organized in collaboration with the Deafblind Inclusion and Advocacy Network, to mark the 2026 International Deafblind Awareness Week in Lagos. The event, themed "Leaving No One Behind: Enhancing Health, Education and Rehabilitation Training for Nigerians with Deafblindness," gathered government officials, disability rights advocates, and other stakeholders to review progress and strategize improvements in healthcare, education, and rehabilitation services. Tolani Ali-Balogun, the Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, represented by Azeez Aliu, the ministry鈥檚 Inclusive Education Desk Officer, stated the government's shift from integration to full inclusion in education. He highlighted that children with deafblindness often face limitations due to inadequate access to early diagnosis, assistive technology, trained specialists, and appropriate learning resources. The government is expanding inclusive education through curriculum adaptation, Braille materials, tactile sign language, teacher aides, capacity building for educators, and improved early screening and intervention programs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, General Manager of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, represented by Kelani Akeem, Director of Social Development and
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