… Says it’s a monumental loss to Disability Community
By Lanre Oloyede
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, has extended his deepest condolences to the family, Kano State people, the disability community, friends, and colleagues of Prof. Jibril Isah Diso, who passed away today, July 12, 2024 aged 69.
Hon. Abba Isa, who was deeply saddened by Prof Diso’s death, described it as a monumental loss not only to his family and the academic community of Bayero University Kano but also to the entire Nigerian Disability Community.
In a statement issued friday, the Senior presidential aide noted that Prof. Jibril Isah Diso was a towering figure in the field of special education, adding that his commitment and dedication to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities were unparalleled.
“As a distinguished professor in the Department of Special Education, his work was instrumental in shaping inclusive education policies and practices, ensuring that students with special needs received the support and resources necessary to thrive.
“Prof. Diso was a renowned expert in Special Education and a dedicated advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities. Beyond his academic contributions, Prof. Diso was a tireless advocate for disability rights. His leadership in the disability advocacy movement inspired many and led to significant advancements in the recognition and protection of the rights of persons with disabilities in Nigeria.
“Born April 22, 1955 in Diso quarters of Gwale Local Government Area, of Kano State, Jibril Isa Diso is the First Blind professor in Nigeria from Kano State, academician and the former adviser to Governor of Kano State Ibrahim Shekarau 2003 to 2011.
“Diso started his education in 1962 where he finishes his primary education in 1969, he also attended Gindiri Blinds Secondary School, Plateau State between 1979. In 1984, Bayero University established the Department of Special Education because of Diso and admit him as a first student in the department. Diso obtained his PhD in Special Education in London University of Birmingham in 1991,” the statement read in parts.
The presidential aide expressed optimism that Prof. Diso’s legacy will continue to live on through the countless lives he touched, the policies he helped to shape, and the awareness he raised about the importance of inclusion and equal opportunities for all, adding that his work has left an indelible mark on the field of special education and the broader movement for disability rights.
“During this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with family, friends and the entire disability community. We share in your sorrow and honor the remarkable life and legacy of Prof. Jibril Isah Diso. May you find comfort in the memories of his extraordinary contributions and the profound impact he had on so many lives.
“May Prof. Diso’s soul rest in peace, and may his family find comfort in the impact of his remarkable work,”the SSAP prayed.
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