The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has provided sunscreen, wide-brim hats and UV-protective sleeves to children with albinism, reinforcing its commitment to removing barriers that can prevent children with disabilities from accessing education on an equal basis.
The intervention came as the Commission received representatives of the Women and Girls with Albinism Network (WGWAN), parents and children with albinism during a courtesy visit to its headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.
The donation included five cartons of sunscreen, 40 wide-brim hats and 40 pairs of UV-protective sleeves.
NCPWD: Disability Must Not Become a Barrier to Education
Speaking during the engagement, NCPWD Executive Secretary, Hon. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, reaffirmed the Commission’s determination to ensure that children with disabilities are not denied their right to education because of barriers associated with their conditions.
Gufwan said inclusive education remains a fundamental right guaranteed under national and international frameworks and pledged that the Commission would continue working with stakeholders to identify and dismantle barriers that limit the participation of learners with disabilities.
“We are committed to ensuring that every child with a disability has access to education. There is always ability in disability, and no child should be left behind because of their condition,” Gufwan said.
He urged children with albinism to remain committed to their education, assuring them that NCPWD would continue to support initiatives designed to improve their learning experiences and overall wellbeing.
WGWAN Calls for Teacher Training
Earlier, the Executive Director of WGWAN, Miss Constance Onyemaechi, said the organisation’s visit was aimed at building a strategic partnership with NCPWD to strengthen inclusive education for children with albinism.
She drew attention to WGWAN’s ongoing project in Kurudu Community, Abuja, which focuses on strengthening community-based inclusive education for neurodivergent children and children with albinism.
Onyemaechi also appealed to NCPWD to provide technical support and resource persons for a proposed workshop for teachers and school administrators.
According to her, building educators’ capacity is essential to creating school environments where learners with diverse needs can participate and thrive.
“Every child deserves a learning environment where they are understood, respected, supported, and given the opportunity to reach their full potential,” she said.
Assistive Support Key to Inclusive Learning
The Head of NCPWD’s Assistive Devices and Technology Unit, Dr. Ismail Idris, also emphasised the importance of appropriate assistive support in promoting meaningful participation in education.
Idris noted that learners with disabilities may face significant barriers when the necessary support, devices and accommodations are unavailable.
He also acknowledged the ECOWAS Commission for its donation of assistive devices to NCPWD, which has enabled the Commission to distribute essential resources to persons with disabilities according to identified needs.
Beyond the Donation
The NCPWD’s intervention highlights the importance of looking beyond school enrolment when discussing inclusive education.
For children with albinism, access to appropriate sun-protection measures, supportive learning environments and informed teachers can form part of the practical support needed to participate fully in school.
The engagement between NCPWD and WGWAN therefore points to a broader need for stronger collaboration between government institutions, organisations of persons with disabilities, civil society groups, schools and families.
Both organisations reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration towards making inclusive education a practical reality for children and other persons with disabilities across Nigeria.
NCPWD also reiterated that partnerships with civil society organisations and organisations of persons with disabilities remain central to advancing the objectives of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, particularly in education, healthcare and social inclusion.
