Rivers State University expels education student for having learning difficulties

RIVERS State University of Science and Technology has expelled education undergraduate Jane Ottah after discovering that she had  speech and learning difficulties within a year of gaining admission.

 

In the first such case of its kind, Ms Ottah, 28, was sent a letter by the principal assistant registrar of the university, annulling her admission to the university's Department of Educational Foundation. She became a student at the university in January this year but following a medical examination, it was deemed that she was unsuitable for academic pursuits.

 

Ms Ottah said: “What I saw in the letter was the shock of my life. This was the one thing that could have taken away my life if it wasn’t for the help of my friends‎ who were there when I was about to faint.”

 

Signed by C M Ewhorlu, the university's assistant registrar, the expulsion letter read: “I am directed to state that during your recent medical examination in the Health Services Department, it was observed that you are medically challenged and have hearing and speech difficulties. I am further directed to state that as a result of these difficulties our team of medical personnel found it impossible to communicate with you.

 

“Since the university ‎does not have special communication facilities, the vice-chancellor has directed that you be de-registered on health grounds. I am in the circumstance, directed to inform you that you have been de-registered on health grounds with immediate effect and you are therefore advised to hand over all university properties in your possession to your head of department and thereafter leave the campus.”

 

‎Despite the university’s claims that she was a special student, Ms Ottah insisted she had no such challenges. After initially applying to study Business Administration Ms Ottah was offered an admission to read Educational Foundations in September 2014 and resumed on January 5.

 

Benedict Ottah, her father, described the letter as a serious embarrassment, adding that he drove to the university to meet officials but the head of department refused to see him. He said he was referred back to the medical board, only to be informed by them that he should write a letter to the vice chancellor.

 

Already, the International Ford Fellowships Alumni Association Nigeria, has condemned the action of the university. Its president, Professor Faruk Sarkinfada, said: “It is regrettable that a university in Nigeria in the 21st century can discriminate against any citizen on account of her disability.

 

“Her right to an education has been breached and the aspect of her life that must be telling her she is not wanted in our society will unfortunately impact negatively on her whole being. The university should review its decision and reinstate her, so that she can acquire tertiary education like her contemporaries.”