Femi Esan
Ekiti state government has commenced recruitment of classroom teachers to fill the gaps identified in the shortage within the state. Beside this, the exercise is also seen as a possible way of reducing unemployment in the state. But great as this exercise looks at the face value, it has generated a sort of concern because of possible non-inclusion of qualified professionals who are persons living with disability.
Mr. Michael Omolayo, the Permanent Secretary, Ekiti State Teaching Service Commission, had earlier announced that the state will be recruiting a new set of teachers. The recruitment process which had commenced according to Omotayo, “Had seen Over 12,000 jobseekers applied for the recently advertised teaching jobs in public secondary schools in the State”.
JONAPWD demands fair deal, rebuke derogatory statements
The Ekiti State chapter of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) has taken a stand by demanding for the fair inclusion of its members in the ongoing teachers’ recruitment process in the state.
Speaking on the development, the Chairman of Ekiti JONAPWD, Mr. Kayode Owolabi, expressed appreciation to Governor Biodun Oyebanji for granting approval for the appointment of 500 fresh teachers to fill the consequential vacancies in the state public secondary schools, as he urged the Governor to also consider its members in the ongoing recruitment, just as he has done in the past.
“Our association firmly advocates for inclusivity, and we believe that individuals with disabilities have a wealth of skills and talents to offer in the teaching profession. Thus, we humbly request the Governor’s consideration and equitable opportunities for persons with disabilities during the recruitment process” Owolabi appealed.
Owolabi noted that the society continues to undermine and ridicules Persons with disability by asking what value can persons with impairment contribute? Can you imagine “Someone recently asked me why our members applied for the ongoing recruitment exercise? This alluding to the belief PWDs have no value” Owolabi continued,
“I was shocked and embarrassed at such a statement which is not just discriminatory but demeaning. I stand to condemn any form of discrimination or derogatory remarks made against our members. Such comments only perpetuate harmful stereotypes and hinder our collective progress towards a more inclusive society. We urge individuals to embrace diversity and support the empowerment of persons with disabilities.”
*Femi Esan, a reporter, fellow of Africa Foundation for Young Media Professionals Disability and Inclusion Reporting sent this in from Ekiti State as part of his story requirement as fellow of the project. The project was done in conjunction with Centre for Disability and Inclusion Africa
