Recently, thirty student union leaders representing six tertiary institutions in Kwara State gathered for a focused training on disability inclusion, inclusive leadership and meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in student union governance. The workshop was hosted at [Kwara State University](https://www.kwasu.edu.ng), Malete, and was organised under a project backed by the [Nigeria Youth Futures Fund](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigeria_Youth_Futures_Fund) (NYFF).
**Key facts**
- The training brought together five delegates each from Kwara State University, Kwara State Polytechnic, University of Ilorin, Federal Polytechnic Offa, Ojaja University and Kwara State College of Health Sciences.
- Facilitators Mr Salaudeen Ishola Abdullahi and Mr Dauda Kamal led sessions on inclusive leadership, disability rights, accessibility, representation and advocacy strategies.
- "Disability inclusion should go beyond representation and become an integral part of student union policies, structures and activities," said project lead Habeeb Opeyemi Daranijo.
- Participants examined barriers that limit students with disabilities and identified practical steps to remove them within their campuses.
What was the aim of the training?
The programme sought to equip student leaders with the knowledge and tools needed to champion equal access and participation for persons with disabilities in all aspects of [student union](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Student_union) decision‑making.
How was the training structured?
Facilitators delivered interactive sessions covering disability etiquette, advocacy techniques, and the development of inclusive policies. Attendees were encouraged to share experiences, discuss challenges specific to their institutions and draft actionable plans for implementation.
Who supported the initiative?
The effort is part of NYFF’s broader strategy to strengthen youth‑led solutions and promote inclusive civic engagement across Nigeria. Earlier consultations had been held with student leaders at Kwara State University, University of Ilorin and Kwara State Polytechnic to lay the groundwork for this training.
What are the expected outcomes?
Organisers expressed confidence that the participants will return to their campuses with concrete recommendations to improve accessibility, representation and participation of students with disabilities. The project aims to shift the perception of disability inclusion from a occasional welfare concern to an institutional responsibility embedded in student union structures.
In his vote of thanks, Anifowoshe Bashir thanked the facilitators, the student representatives and NYFF for their contributions, reaffirming the commitment to advance disability inclusion throughout Kwara State’s higher education landscape.