The Oyo State Agency for Persons with Disabilities (OYSAPD) has commended the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (OYOSUBEB) for its upcoming recruitment interview, set to prioritize persons with disabilities (PWDs). According to the agency, 542 candidates with various forms of disability will be interviewed on September 10 and 11, 2024, at the Board’s headquarters.

This was disclosed during a meeting between OYOSUBEB Chairman, Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, and the Director-General of the Oyo State Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Barr. Ayodele Adekanmbi. The meeting aimed to finalize the arrangements for the interview exercise and ensure that persons with disabilities receive fair and inclusive treatment in the recruitment process.

The agency expressed satisfaction with the Board’s plan to allocate September 10 for candidates from Oke-Ogun, Ibarapa, Ogbomoso, and Oyo, and September 11 for candidates from Ibadan main city and Ibadan less city. In addition, caregivers are scheduled for interviews on September 12 and 13, 2024.

Barr. Adekanmbi applauded the Board’s commitment to ensuring that persons with disabilities are included in the recruitment process, despite the challenges posed by other recruitment criteria, such as merit, gender, and local government representation. He particularly highlighted the provision of brailled question papers for visually impaired candidates and other accommodations made for the deaf and physically challenged.

“The agency appreciates OYOSUBEB’s efforts in fostering an all-inclusive process and ensuring that persons with disabilities are given the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the state’s educational workforce,” said Barr. Adekanmbi. “This collaboration has not only ensured their full participation but has also raised awareness on disability rights and inclusion in Oyo State.”

He also praised the state government under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde for its commitment to the welfare of persons with disabilities. Adekanmbi acknowledged key milestones such as the passage and signing of the State Disability Law, which led to the establishment of the Oyo State Agency for Persons with Disabilities.

The Director-General shared that the interview panel will be headed by Prof. Akolade from the University of Ibadan, with the support of experts including Mr. Temitope Aluko, Evang. Olukayode, four sign language interpreters, and wheelchair assistants. He explained that candidates will be grouped into three clusters—blind, deaf, and physically disabled—to streamline the interview process.

In closing, Adekanmbi reiterated the agency’s readiness to continue collaborating with OYOSUBEB and other state institutions to promote the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities in all areas of governance and public life.

Also present at the meeting were the Executive Secretary of the Board, Mrs. Olaide Ladipo, and the Special Assistant to the Governor on Disabilities, Hon. Timothy Sunday, alongside top management staff of OYOSUBEB.

Kayode Akinola,
IT & Technical Officer,
Oyo State Agency for Persons with Disabilities