FG moves to enhance education access for visually impaired persons

The federal government has stated commitment to improving access to books and educational materials for blind and visually impaired persons through policies under the new Copyright Act 2023.

Speaking at the International White Cane Day celebration in Abuja, on Wednesday, John Asein, Director-General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), said the Commission is developing a framework to implement the Marrakesh Treaty, which allows persons with visual impairments to access published works in accessible formats.

He said the new Act provides legal backing for authorised entities to reproduce materials such as textbooks and literature in Braille, audio, or large print formats.

“It is unacceptable that less than one percent of published materials in Nigeria are accessible to the blind. That number must change, and we are determined to change it through effective policy enforcement and collaboration with stakeholders,” Asein said.

According to him, the NCC is partnering with the Nigerian Association of the Blind (NAB), the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), and the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) to roll out guidelines that will ensure publishers and authors comply with the law.

He added that the government will also require that a portion of publicly funded educational materials be made available in accessible formats.

In his remarks, James Lalu, executive secretary of the NCPWD, described the initiative as a milestone for inclusive education, noting that “the white cane represents safety and access” and urging Nigerians to show greater respect and empathy toward persons with visual impairments.

Stanley Onyebuchi, President of the Nigerian Association of the Blind, commended the Copyright Commission’s support but appealed to the government to tackle unemployment and safety issues affecting blind persons. He called on the FCT Minister to close open manholes in Abuja, which he said endanger the lives of visually impaired citizens, and urged the government to provide scholarships and empowerment for members of the association.

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Agada Jacob, Chairman of the NAB FCT Chapter, stressed that the white cane symbolises independence and dignity, calling on society to remove barriers that limit the full participation of persons with disabilities.

The International White Cane Day, observed annually on October 15, celebrates the independence and safety of visually impaired persons while promoting public awareness on issues affecting their welfare.