Students at the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, were stranded on Wednesday when people living with disabilities blocked the main gate and brought activities to a halt.
The demonstrators accused the institution of excluding them from employment opportunities, saying they were tired of “empty promises.” Some carried placards demanding fairness and chanting that they would not leave until their voices were heard.
The protest drew a swift response from the Kogi State Government, which rejected the claims. Information Commissioner Kingsley Femi Fanwo listed names of disabled staff already employed at CUSTECH, including a technologist, an assistant executive officer and a lecturer. He said recruitment was based on merit and described the protest as “misguided.”
However, the protesters insisted their frustration comes from years of systemic neglect. “One or two appointments do not erase the fact that we remain largely excluded,” a leader of the group said.
The clash has reignited debate over how inclusive Nigeria’s public institutions truly are. While the government praises its policies, campaigners argue that disabled people continue to be shut out of meaningful work.
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