By Bitrus Margaret Noro
The University of Jos in recent times has thrived in numerous ways; one of its successes is in admitting and accommodating students with special needs. However, students with special needs suffer lots of hardships in their struggle for academic excellence.
New intakes with special needs suffer complexities which include: difficulty in locating lecture halls, crossing of drainages without help from individuals, harsh weather, difficulty in getting water, and much more.
Several of these students express their grievances over the treatment they get from their fellow students in school and their hostels. They wish and hope that the school authority will provide a lasting solution to the problems they encounter.
In an interview with Aruna Jacob, a visually impaired student who is currently a 100-level student of the Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation Science.
“The difficulties I have encountered since resumption are numerous. First is difficulty in locating lecture halls; lecture halls are frequently changed and it’s difficult for me to get someone to assist me get there. Some other pressing challenges are bad roads, lots of drainages, and cars parked randomly by the roadside which are serious nightmares for me at the University of Jos. Sometimes I wish I never came but one thing I know is that I must achieve this goal(educational goal)to the fullest,” He said.
Also expressing his ordeal, John Oba, a physically challenged student, in a wheelchair and a 100-level student of the Department of English Language laments over the lack of consideration given to people of his kind. He complains of difficulty in climbing staircases and urges that pathways should be built in faculties to enable them to have a successful ride to wherever they are heading. He complains of a lack of water and difficulty in getting water in the hostel.
“If the school authority can come once in a while to warn people who park and throw all sorts of things by the roadside creating blockages to desist from such acts and also encourage people to help us whenever they come in contact with us. I don’t regret securing admission to the University of Jos because I feel privileged securing admission here, which I may not be lucky enough to get anywhere else”, he added.
Faith Friday a 100-level student of the Department of English Education laments over her inability to complete her registration due to difficulties in the registration process, with no one to guide her through the process as she struggles to continue her registration. She complains about the weather and is presently ill as a result of that.
She has no regret for gaining admission into the University as a result of the lovely people the school has blessed her with and trusts God to quickly adapt to the environment.
Students with special needs have laid down their complaints as they eagerly await improvements to support their stay at the University of Jos.
