By Cleopatra Eki
The Chief Executive Officer, MOJEC Nigeria Limited, Mrs Mojisola Abdul, has appealed to Federal Government to provide free education and job opportunities for the blind in Nigeria.
She made call at the Federal Nigeria Society for the Blind 2022 graduation ceremony held in Oshodi Lagos.
She emphasized that the blinds are passing through a lot of challenges during this economy downturn. They need more emotional, spiritual, financial and moral support to add their quota to national development.
The 28 visually impaired graduating students with vocational skills who had undergone 2 years residential training and were taught ICT and assistive Technology, personal development, Enterprenuership studies, Braille reading orientation and mobility , beadmaking and vocational skills among others.
Abdul also gave cash donations to all graduating students to start up their vocational skills immediately and some scholarships slots for new blind students for 2023 school year among others.
Chairman council FNSB ,Mr Fusi Akinkugbe said in line with the mission to become a world class model for breaking down barriers affecting the blind, “We will continue to provide the best for our students to be relevant to our society and globally.”
“As you are about to embark on another journey for which VTC has prepared you, to face the challenges of the immediate and larger society be good ambassadors of this citadel of distinguished learning, throughout your life time.
He urged them to show they are products of one of the best training center of the visually impaired in Nigeria and in Sub-Saharan Africa Immediate and larger society.
The Executive Secretary FNSB, Mr Mayowa Oke,called on all stakeholders to provide employment opportunities in both the private and public sectors for blind in the society.
He added that at the vocational training Centre of the blind, we strive at all times to provide the best teaching and learning experience possible.
In his speech, Mr Tunde Alabi best graduating student said Our training at the Vocational Training Centre for the Blind has equipped us with the adequate knowledge and skills needed to accomplish our goals in life as visually impaired young men and women.
“The journey is long and laden with thorns but our accomplishments at VTC are very rewarding. The patience and dedication each of us has shown throughout our duration of training are what caused for this celebration today. Hence, there is no reason why we should fail in our future undertakings.”
He maintained that” We will not have been able to reach without you people who have helped us and who, without any reservations and expecting nothing in return, guided us in our quest for academic and vocational training, and psychological rehabilitation. No amount of words can fully express how much we appreciate what you have done for us-Alabi said.
He disclosed that the center has impacted a lot in us. We are now masters in sandal making, bag making soap making as well as tie and dye. Our competence in the use of computer, typewriter, Braille reading and writing is adjusted to be excellent. We can navigate around on our own, and independently carry out certain domestic work.
The academic and vocational success of our trainees with the active support of our instructors, management and parent/guardians, have put the Centre on a path towards greatness, culminating in our ranking as one of the best Centre in the training of the visually impaired in Nigeria and West Africa.
“Our experienced and well qualified teachers, teach to the best of their ability, guiding our trainees on a path for the sustainable acquisition of knowledge and skills necessary for a great and productive future in the center and post-graduation career. “
“We cannot lower the bar as our trainees must be able to compete effectively with students across the nation and the globe.”
The high point of the event, certificates and gifts were given to 5 best graduating students in the various departments and other students, school choirs thrilled the guests with good music.The guests were conducted around the schools facilities.
