‘Inclusion must go beyond infrastructure’ — CITAB to Borno, Plateau

By Oguadimma Chisom

The Centre for Infrastructural and Technological Advancement for the Blind (CITAB) has welcomed recent educational infrastructure projects undertaken by the Borno and Plateau State governments, describing the development as an opportunity to build a truly inclusive education system rather than a mere physical upgrade.

This recognition was contained in a statement released in Abuja today and signed by CITAB’s Executive Chairman, Jolomi George Fenemigho.

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According to the organization, the commissioning of new schools, the inauguration of the High Islamic College in Fikiyel and the TETfund-backed expansion at Plateau State University ( PLASU) are commendable and signal progress in academic development

However, CITAB cautioned those in charge not to get swept away by the surface appeal. It’s time for the authorities to get hands on and address the hidden obstacles buried in so called modern infrastructure.

Fenemigho noted that while the initiative are headline-grabbing, the true measure of success lies in whether all students, including those with visual impairment can fully benefit from them.

While celebrating this wave of development, CITAB reminded leaders that true inclusion does not come as an afterthought. If the work stops before it gets under the skin of accessibility, then the impact will remain flat.

CITAB urges that the state governments make Admissions with Open Arms,
Both Borno and Plateau must welcome visually impaired students into these mega schools and colleges and not to cordon them off into separate corners.

Also, assistive learning that Goes All the Way
The High Islamic College and PLASU Medical Faculty should be outfitted with top tier assistive equipment.

Bring out the Refreshable Braille Displays, AI powered scanners, and accessible digital tools. There’s no pleasure in facilities that only look good in the brochure but leave some students feeling out of place.

CITAB called for the High Islamic College and the PLASU Medical Faculty to be equipped with top-tier assistive technologies, including Refreshable Braille Displays, AI-powered scanners, and accessible digital tools. The organisation warned against facilities that appear impressive on paper but leave some students feeling excluded in practice.

The organization noted that renovated structures such as the PLASU Senate Building must go beyond surface-level upgrades. Buildings should be designed to enable blind administrators and students to navigate independently and confidently, without constant assistance.

CITAB also urged that all academic programmes and resources be made inclusive from the start, stressing that no student should struggle through systems that were never designed with accessibility in mind.

The organisation reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that inclusive education in Borno and Plateau States goes beyond appearances.

“CITAB stands ready to work hand in hand with every stakeholder to ensure that the story of inclusive education in Borno and Plateau is more than just a pretty cover,” the statement concluded. “It is time to raise the standard behind closed doors and let everybody get a fair share of the excitement.”