The Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (OYOSUBEB), in collaboration with the Oyo State Agency for People with Disabilities (OYSAPD), successfully concluded interviews for 542 candidates with disabilities as part of the state’s ongoing recruitment exercise. The interviews, conducted on September 10 and 11, 2024, aimed to ensure inclusivity and fair representation of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Oyo State’s education sector.

On Tuesday, September 10, 2024, 327 candidates from local government areas outside Ibadan—namely Oyo, Ogbomoso, Oke-Ogun, and Ibarapa—were interviewed. The following day, Wednesday, September 11, 2024, 215 candidates from Ibadan’s main and less city areas underwent their interviews.

Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, Chairman of OYOSUBEB, commended the smooth and inclusive process, noting the Board’s commitment to creating equal opportunities. “We are proud to have conducted this process with fairness and consideration for all. This is part of our continued efforts to ensure that persons with disabilities are given equal opportunities to contribute to the education sector in Oyo State,” he stated.

Special support were provided for all candidates, including braille question papers for visually impaired applicants and sign language interpreters for those who are deaf. Wheelchair users also received personalized assistance throughout the process to ensure full accessibility.

Barrister Ayodele Adekanmbi, the Director-General of OYSAPD, praised OYOSUBEB for its all-inclusive recruitment approach and highlighted the state’s commitment to improving the lives of PWDs. “The Engr. Seyi Makinde administration is dedicated to improving the quality of life for PWDs, ensuring that they face no discrimination or rejection,” Adekanmbi said. He also emphasized that this recruitment process is a landmark step towards workforce integration for PWDs in Oyo State.

The interview panel was led by Professor Oladipupo Akolade from the Department of Special Education, University of Ibadan, with the support of experts like Mr. Temitope Aluko, Evang. Kayode Olukayode. Sign language interpreters and wheelchair assistants were available to facilitate smooth communication and accessibility during the interviews.

Candidates were divided into three clusters—blind, deaf, and physically disabled—to ensure an organized and efficient process. Caregivers, scheduled for their interviews on September 12 and 13, 2024, are also expected to benefit from the inclusive arrangements.

Key stakeholders, including Mrs. Olaide Ladipo, Executive Secretary of OYOSUBEB, and the Governor’s Executive Assistant on Persons With Disabilities, Hon. Timothy Sunday expressed their appreciation to the state government for its unwavering support of inclusion and disability rights. The success of this interview process stands as a significant milestone of Governor Seyi Makinde’s effort to ensure equal opportunities for all citizens, particularly in the education sector.

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