Edo Govt approves bursary for visually impaired students

The Edo Government on Monday approved the payment of bursary for the visually impaired students of Edo origin studying in tertiary institutions.

Gov. Godwin Obaseki made this known while receiving members of the Nigeria Association of the Blind (NAB), Edo Chapter, in Benin.

Obaseki said that persons with disabilities were part of the society.

“It is obligatory on the part of government to ensure that their welfare is well taken care of,’’ he said.

The governor urged the association to compile the names of its members studying in tertiary institutions to the state Ministry of Education for prompt payment of their bursary.

He said that a Special Education Department would be established in the College of Education, Abudu or Tayo Akpata University of Education to cater for the physically challenged.

Obaseki said that a braille press that would assist the blind to transcribe normal script to braille would also be established in the state.

According to www.nbp.org, an online publication of National Braille Press, the guiding purpose of National Braille Press is to promote the literacy of blind children through braille.

“It will also provide access to information that empowers blind people to actively engage in work, family and community affairs.’’

Obaseki, while announcing a donation of N1 million to the association, urged members of the association to be well organised to achieve better results.

Earlier, the state Chairman of NAB, Mr Nosakhare Asemota, commended the governor for the gesture.

Asemota said that the visit was to solicit the state government’s support toward addressing some of the challenges confronting the association.

He said that the braille press, when established, would reduce the stress facing the visually impaired students while translating normal script to braille in the neighbouring states.

Asemota called for the establishment of special courses for the blind in the state College of Education, because there was no school offering such courses in the state.