The Edo Government on Monday approved the payment of bursary for the visually impaired students of Edo origin studying in tertiary institutions.
The state governor, Godwin Obaseki made this known while receiving members of the Nigeria Association of the Blind, NAB, Edo Chapter, in Benin.
Mr Obaseki said that persons with disabilities were part of the society and that “It is obligatory on the part of government to ensure that their welfare is well taken care of.’’
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.
Mr Obaseki said that a braille press that would assist the blind to transcribe normal script to braille would also be established in the state.
He said while announcing a donation of N1 million to the association, that members of the association should be well organised to achieve better results.
NBA state chairman Nosakhare Asemota, had earlier commended the governor for the gesture.
Mr 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.
The chairman 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.
