Disability Inclusion Focal Point persons selected from Schools and Faculties of The University of Bamenda have expressed their readiness to spearhead inclusion and diversity initiatives within the University. They took the commitment during their installation by top management of the University, few weeks into the 2024-2025 school year.
Commissioning the focal point persons into their functions on October 15, 2024, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Teaching, Professor Suh Cheo Emmanuel, highlighted that the move is in line with the University’s vision to break barriers faced by persons with disability in accessing education. He underscored that the University is poised to raising awareness on disability inclusion within the University community, gather and analysis Data that represents the needs of learners with disability.
The focal points have been charged with the responsibilities to coordinate Inclusive Education Community of Practice (IECoP) activities and events, provide support and resources for students with diverse abilities, promote inclusive teaching and learning practices and foster collaboration among faculty, staff, and students.
According to one of the focal point, Ngwe Presculiar, IECoP’s mission aligns with her personal passion for inclusive education. She says they will work closely with students, faculty, and staff to identify and address barriers to inclusion. “I’m honored to serve as a Focal Point and committed to ensuring inclusive practices become ingrained in our University culture,” Ngwe Presculiar promised.
The installation ceremony was characterized by a workshop which brought together educators, students, and stakeholders to promote inclusive education and diversity. It was an opportunity to further drill participants on disability concepts and strategies to mainstream disability within the University community. Participants hailed the University for such a groundbreaking step towards creating a supportive environment for all students.
The move taken by the University of Bamenda is a fall out of a partnership between the University and the CBC Health Services’ SEEPD Program which brought to limelight inclusive education in the University. Representing the SEEPD Program during the ceremony, the Assistant Program Manager Mr. Tamon James said, the University took a right step in the right direction which is an indication that the partnership has been a full one and the University has been paying more attention to learners with disabilities so that they can access the right quality of education that is expected when they enroll in to the University. It is hoped that through this structure most of the challenges that students with impairments have been facing will be resolved with no delays.