Association of the Blind seeks employment, school upgrade
Saheed Ibrahim
The Nigeria Association of the Blind, Ondo State chapter, has called on the government to address the high rate of unemployment among visually impaired graduates.
Speaking in Akure, the chairman of the association, Mr Ojo Akilo Matthew, highlighted the plight of their members, many of whom have remained jobless for over a decade despite their academic qualifications.
Mr Akilo commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for his inclusive governance, particularly for granting a waiver for the TESCOM Computer-Based Test (CBT), which allowed visually impaired individuals to participate in the screening process for teaching positions.
He expressed hope that members of the association would soon receive employment letters.
He appealed to the Governor to grant automatic employment to 40 graduates within the community, stating that such a move would reduce poverty and restore dignity to those who have long sought meaningful employment opportunities.
“Despite our academic achievements, the lack of job opportunities for visually impaired graduates remains a critical issue. Some of our members graduated over a decade ago and are still without employment,” he said.
In addition, the association appealed to Governor Aiyedatiwa to address issues relating to infrastructure and transportation at the School for the Visually Impaired in Owo.
He said, “the transportation situation is equally critical. The school bus is beyond repair, making it extremely difficult to transport students. We urgently request the provision of a new 18-seater bus to ensure the safe and reliable transport of students to and from school.”
Mr Akilo emphasised the need for a more accessible Ondo State, not only for the visually impaired but for all residents, calling for improvements in public safety and infrastructure, noting that better roads and covered drainages would benefit everyone, especially people with disabilities.