Wesley University, Ondo, has partnered with Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., and the Nigerian National Association of the Deaf (NNAD) to enhance higher education opportunities for deaf and hard-of-hearing students in Nigeria.
This collaboration, known as Gallaudet in Nigeria-Africa (GAIN), aims to provide multilingual tertiary education tailored to the needs of deaf, deaf-blind, and hard-of-hearing communities, promoting their autonomy and inclusion in society.
The initiative is inspired by the late Dr. Isaac O. Agboola, a Gallaudet alumnus and former dean, who envisioned accessible higher education for deaf individuals in his home country.
With support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), awarded a $2.05 million grant, the partnership focuses on education, employment, and empowerment—collectively termed the Deaf-E³ project.
Wesley University has demonstrated a strong commitment to inclusive education. In the 2023/2024 academic session, 10% of its best-graduating students were deaf scholars, excelling in fields such as computer science, law, and social services.
The university’s Directorate of Deaf and Special Needs Education is pivotal in supporting these students.
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has acknowledged Wesley University’s efforts and is collaborating with Wesley and Gallaudet to develop specialised facilities and programmes for deaf education in Nigeria.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has also expressed support, advocating for the inclusion of sign language interpreters in examination centres and the employment of deaf individuals in various sectors.
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