Group Backs Students With Disabilities, Distributes Learning Materials in Nasarawa

From Abel Zwanke, Lafia

The Maikaya Development Foundation (MDF) has distributed thousands of exercise books to indigent students in Nasarawa State and renewed its advocacy for inclusive education, urging stakeholders to prioritize access for students living with disabilities in higher institutions.

The official distribution ceremony, which took place at the Faculty of Education, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, brought together student union leaders, academic representatives, and other stakeholders from the education sector.

Speaking at the event yesterday, the CEO of the foundation Muhammed Maikaya represented the Operation Manager, Shuaibu Sani said the gesture was aimed at easing the financial burden on students and encouraging them to remain focused on their academic goals.

“This distribution is not just about writing materials, it is a reaffirmation of our belief that every student, regardless of status, deserves the tools and support needed to succeed,” the spokesperson said. “We are committed to ensuring no student is left behind.”

Student leaders who spoke during the event expressed deep appreciation to the foundation for its consistent support and investment in the academic wellbeing of students.

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Comrade Ovey Abimiku, President of the Nasarawa State Students Association (NASSA), “Maikaya Development Foundation continues to show us what it means to be a true partner in education. This is a welcome intervention that will help many students who can’t afford basic learning materials.”

Also speaking, Comrade Tabitha Jatau, State Coordinator of the Association of Nigerian Female Students (ANFS), praised the foundation’s longstanding dedication to youth empowerment.

“MDF has not only provided these writing materials but has also supported students with scholarship and tuition funds for many years. We are grateful for this rare consistency,” she noted.

Recall that weeks earlier, the foundation had supported over 500 students across the state with Education Support Funds to assist with the payment of tuition fees and levies—an annual intervention that has benefited thousands over the past decade.

In addition to its material support, the foundation has continued to advocate for inclusive education policies in the state. During a recent stakeholders’ engagement themed “Breaking Barriers and Promoting People with Special Needs’ Inclusion in Higher Institutions”,

Maikaya had called on government and educational institutions to prioritize the rights and needs of students living with disabilities.

“The truth is, barriers—both seen and unseen—still prevent many of our brothers and sisters with special needs from accessing quality education,” Maikaya said at the event. “These are not just inconveniences. They are injustices. And they must be corrected.”

He recommended several critical steps to advance inclusive education, including accessible infrastructure, adapted learning materials, disability awareness training for academic staff, and policy implementation at all levels.

“Inclusive education is not optional, it is essential for real development,” He  added. “We have seen the power of what can happen when potential meets opportunity. Now we must ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to those opportunities.”

He urged stakeholders, government agencies, private sector actors, NGOs, and civil society groups, to collaborate in making inclusive education a reality in Nasarawa and beyond.

“This is not a matter of charity. It is about equity, dignity, and human rights,” the speaker emphasized. 

Items that were distributed included  learning materials, 20, 50kg bags of rice, 20 cartons of Noodles and cash support of 200,000 thousand Naira to students living with disabilities while advocating  for inclusion gain tract, educational reform and youth empowerment in Nasarawa State.