The Community Physiotherapy Unit of the Department of Physiotherapy, Kaduna State University (KASU), in collaboration with the Kaduna State Disability Affairs Board, organised a special event to commemorate the 2025 World Disability Day. The celebration was held on 3rd December, 2025 under the global theme: “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress.”
The Chairman of the occasion and Chief Medical Director of Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, Prof. Abdulkadir Musa Tabari, appreciated the organisers for hosting the event at such a crucial time, especially in terms of promoting inclusiveness. He pledged his commitment to improving accessibility across health facilities and emphasized the need to eradicate stigmatization among healthcare personnel. Prof. Tabari assured that his leadership would continue to champion disability-friendly infrastructure and attitudes within the hospital environment.
In his speech, the Honourable Commissioner for Sports, Kaduna State, Prof. Benjamin Gugong, commended the organisers and highlighted that a community thrives when equal opportunities are available to everyone. He reaffirmed the Kaduna State Government’s commitment to prioritizing the inclusion of persons with disabilities. He noted ongoing skill-acquisition programmes designed to empower persons with disabilities across the state.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Oyeyemi Yunus emphasised that “almost everyone is disabled in one way or the other,” stressing the importance of full inclusion. He noted that 80% of persons with disabilities live in developing countries, with Nigeria being among nations with the highest disability population. He called for improved accessibility in both public and private sectors and urged the public to change negative perceptions about persons with disabilities. Prof. Yunus also appealed to government at all levels to create job opportunities for persons with disabilities to promote self-reliance and ensure equal rights.
The second keynote speaker, Mallam Rilwan Abdullahi Muhammad, Chairman of the Nigerian Association of Physically Challenged Persons, called on stakeholders to prioritize accessible structures, ramps, pathways, and facilities, to ease mobility for persons with disabilities. He further urged the government to enforce disability laws that guarantee equal employment opportunities, including the existing policy mandating 5% employment slots for persons with disabilities. Mallam Rilwan encouraged Nigerians to support qualified persons with disabilities in governance, noting that they best understand the needs of their community.
Speaking on “Breaking Barriers and Showcasing the Boundless Potential and Achievements of Persons with Disabilities,” Mrs. Grace Jerry shared her personal story. She narrated how an accident left her with a spinal cord injury, limiting her ability to walk or sit. She explained how even her home bathroom had to be modified before she could access it, an example of the structural barriers many face daily. Mrs. Jerry called for inclusiveness and accessibility across institutions and urged the management of KASU to make the institution a model for disability-friendly campuses. She emphasized that everyone is important and has a role to play in societal development.
Representing the Vice Chancellor, the Dean, Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Prof. Ayodele Joseph, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to providing an inclusive and accessible environment for persons with disabilities. He commended the organisers for hosting a successful and impactful programme.
The Dean, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Prof. Adamu Ahmad Rufai, delivered the vote of thanks. He expressed deep appreciation to all participants, guests, and attendees for gracing the event. He also thanked the organising committee for their hard work in making the celebration a memorable success. Prof. Rufai extended special gratitude to the Vice Chancellor and the entire KASU management for their continuous support and encouragement.