CENDASNER is an integral part of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University founded on the philosophy that knowledge should be propagated and disseminated to all individuals whether exceptional, gifted or with disabilities; for example visually impaired, learning disability, hearing impaired, physically challenged, handicapped and emotional/behaviour challenged. CENDASNER strongly believes in the motto: “There is ability in disability”! We are an all inclusive centre committed to training, teaching, research and support services for students and staff of this great university especially those with one form of disability or the other.
CENDASNER was established in line with the Target 200 Vision of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Charles Okechukwu Esimone in September 2019 with its pioneer Director, Prof. Williams Emeka Obiozor – a University of Pittsburgh,
USA, trained special education expert.
CENDASNER also seeks to increase awareness of the gains derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of teaching-learning process, environment, political, social, economic and cultural life of every institution – schools, churches, political parties, market, social life etc.
Our vision statement
To create a more inclusive community, that is committed to building a sustainable centre of excellence, where people living with disabilities can recognise their abilities and not disabilities, and can function effectively in the society without any discrimination.
Our mission statement
To act as a bridge between our community and university to provide culturally competent and collaborative education, support, research and information sharing to ensure that student with disabilities and their families live fulfilled lives.
Foundation laying ceremony of CENDASNER
We work towards this mission through four major commitments:
1. Training
2. Integration
3. Innovation
4. Support Services – by promoting inclusion, diversity, life skills and self-determination
Research
CENDASNER commissions research activities with related establishments and researchers in the field of disabilities, special needs education, inclusion education, life skills, political participation, civic education, vocational training and skill acquisition, among other areas of human interest especially concerning persons with disabilities, the society and our environment. CENDASNER staff also engages in research reviews and editing and writing reports of evaluations and assessments on persons with disabilities.
Student Trust Fund
The Centre for Disability And Special Needs Research (CENDASNER) in October 2021 initiated the CENDASNER Student Trust Fund established under the supervision of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University management to provide financial resources for the benefit of indigent students with disabilities and to promote and facilitate the centre’s ideals as enshrined in institutional policy.
Students with disabilities can apply for funding support to cover extra costs for completion of tuition money, medical bills, to complete hostel rent money or for other charitable activities on campus or within the host community. Every case are reviewed and assessed by a Committee in the Centre before Director’s approval. Unlike student loans, students do not have to pay these soft grants back. The Trust Fund is also used to sponsor a number of JAMB forms for students with disabilities applying to study at UNIZIK. This is open to both male and female students from all backgrounds/disabilities.
Last year, our centre raised USD$10,000 from the Afrexim Bank, Cairo, Egypt whereby during the celebration of the 2022 World Disabilities Day, 75 students with different disabilities were given N50,000 each to support their tuition, sort out hostel accommodation and other challenges on campus. From the same fund up till now, financial support are provided to needy students as the request arises.
Other activities conducted since inception of the Centre include the following:
1. Research collaboration with the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities Abuja on distributing instrument for data collection on accessibility audit of Federal Government institutions and some public buildings in Nigeria, in accordance with the National Minimum Accessibility Standard Code. This project was conducted in Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
2. Developing and commissioning the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Disability Policy.
3. Setting up of the UNIZIK Disability Students Association – encouraging students to engage in leadership, socialisation and political activities on campus.
4. Establishment of the Skill Acquisition Training Building which was formally flagged off by the Vice Chancellor for construction. We are presently seeking for sponsors of the house from philanthropists, firms, NGOs with Corporate Social Responsibility, etc. This building requires N70 million for its completion with infrastructures. For this project, students will learn shoe making, liquid soap making, fashion and designs, tailoring/sewing, confectionaries, wood work, welding works, etc.
5. Establishing business and entrepreneurship shop and cyber café for students with disabilities to work and earn stipends’. Thus, a work-aid programme.
6. Establishment of recreation facilities for sporting, social interaction and inclusion; among other activities.
7. Provision of paraprofessionals to exam halls to aid in reading out exam questions to the visually impaired while the provide answers. This is a temporary activity pending when we secure laptops and brailes.
In conclusion, CENDASNER seeks support for promoting inclusive education and training of young Nigerians enrolled in the university. We need laptops and Braille machines for the students to ease their lecture classes and other academic challenges/activities.
Thank you!
Prof. Obiozor is Director, CENDASNER, Awka
Website: https://cendasnerunizik.org
