By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
Kogi State Government has condemned the violent protest staged by some persons under the banner of Association of People Living with Disabilities (PWDs) on Wednesday at the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara.
According to a statement by Mr Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, the protesters had unlawfully locked the university’s main gate and disrupted academic activities in the institution.
He said that the protesters had attempted to create a false narrative of marginalization in employment opportunities at the institution.
The Commissioner said while the government would continue to recognize and respect the rights of all citizens, including PWDs, their claims were in the contrary.
Contrary to their claims, Fanwo said several PWDs including Rofiat Ozohu Ohize, Technologist II; Ahmed Rufai Omuya, AEO; Mustapha Obaje, an Assistant Lecturer among others, have been duly employed by the university in both academic and non-academic roles.
“These appointments clearly demonstrate that CUSTECH continues to employ qualified persons living with disabilities based strictly on competence and merit, he said.
Fanwo explained that employment into academic and administrative positions at CUSTECH, as in all the state educational institutions, is merit-driven, saying that standards cannot be compromised.
He further explained that as quality of workforce directly impacts the future of the students, vacancies are usually publicly advertised in all employment exercise, and applicants, including PWDs, are given equal opportunities to apply.
He said that without prejudice or discrimination, qualified candidates are employed adding that application processes do not indicate disability status as they speak only to qualifications and competence.
The Commissioner suspected political undertones behind the protest, given its violent nature and heavy media coverage.
“As the build-up to 2027 intensifies, it is not surprising that some politicians may attempt to exploit vulnerable groups to create crises and destabilize institutions.”
He assured that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo having been elected to serve all citizens, regardless of physical status, would continue to uphold fairness to all.
The Commissioner urged the Police and other security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incident and take proactive steps to forestall a recurrence.
“While the government remains committed to inclusivity, we will not allow politically motivated disruptions to threaten the peace of our educational institutions”, Fanwo asserted. (Ends)