The Challenges of Schooling with Disabilities in the University of Jos, Nigeria.

Abstract

Schooling in Nigerian Universities can be challenging due to lack of enabling environment that allows for effective teaching and learning. It can even be more challenging when schooling is combined with disabilities. The study examined the challenges of schooling with disabilities in the University of Jos, Nigeria and the factors that function to facilitate these challenges. In order to achieve the stated objective, FGD and semi structured/structured respond type of questionnaire were used to illicit responses from a hundred and eighteen physically challenged students drawn from the Department of Special Education. Multi-stage sampling technique and snowball were used to identify respondents. The study found unfavourable architectural design, lack of enabling policy and instructional material as some of the factors that help facilitate low academic performance. On the basis of the findings, the study recommended among others, attitudinal change, total cultural reformation that will see ability in disability, formulation of policies that treat issues that affect the disable as a legal right and not an issue of welfare, provision of instructional material as a way of boasting their self-esteem and enhancing the academic performance of the physically challenged in the University.