Kogi State Government has strongly condemned a protest by members of the Association of People Living with Disabilities (PWDs) at the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, describing the demonstration as violent and politically motivated.
The protesters had alleged that the institution sidelined PWDs in employment opportunities.
In a statement issued in Lokoja on Thursday, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, rejected the allegations, describing them as “baseless.”
He insisted that CUSTECH has consistently employed qualified persons with disabilities in both academic and non-academic roles.
“The application process does not indicate disability status; it is based on qualifications and competence,” he stressed.
“This shows clearly that the institution does not discriminate in any form.” He further noted that vacancies are always publicly advertised, with PWDs given equal opportunity to apply.
While acknowledging the challenges faced by PWDs in society, the Commissioner said their claims of exclusion in this case were unfounded.
Commending CUSTECH’s management and students for maintaining calm during the unrest, Fanwo praised their restraint in the face of provocation.
He reiterated Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s commitment to fairness and inclusivity, while also urging security agencies to investigate the incident and prevent politically-inspired disruptions in the state’s educational institutions.
