Beyond Disability: Why Every Child Deserves the Chance to Learn

In Nigeria today, the future remains uncertain for many children with disabilities, particularly girls, who are among the country's most marginalized groups. It is estimated that 95.5% of children with disabilities are out of school (HumAngle, 2022). Without access to education, many are also denied vital information about their health, rights, and future opportunities. Far too often, this lack of knowledge contributes to serious consequences, including early pregnancy and increased vulnerability to HIV. Although Nigerian law guarantees equal rights and protection for every child, disability remains heavily stigmatized in many communities. As a result, children with disabilities continue to face discrimination, exclusion, exploitation, and other forms of abuse.

Many parents want to protect their child with a disability or their family’s reputation by keeping the child locked inside the home, away from the public eye. Sadly, this lack of visibility reinforces harmful stereotypes and limits opportunities for children with disabilities to participate fully in society. It also deprives many of the education and support they need to build brighter futures.

In situations where a parent puts their child’s well-being first and decides to take her outside the home, the hostility becomes tangible. According to Ajifa Solomon’s article “’ When I go out, people throw jabs at us’: the Nigerian families fighting for their disabled children" (The  Guardian, 2026), people walk away from these families, stare at them, and insult them openly.  Some even tell the parents how they should abandon or kill their disabled child. Because family members of children with disabilities also face discrimination, many of them may feel powerless and unable to give their child a good life. Consequently, some give up on their child. 

Even though being locked inside or experiencing public discrimination and exclusion throughout childhood is bad for any child’s development, the disabled child’s vulnerability also makes them extremely susceptible to experiencing harm and exploitation. In Nigeria, child abuse is a widely prevalent problem, including child marriage and child labor, and tens of millions of children are affected yearly (UNICEF, n.d.). Just as girls are more likely to experience abuse than boys, children with disabilities are also at greater risk of abuse than their non-disabled peers (African  Child Policy Forum, 2025). Since girls with disabilities belong to two highly marginalized groups of people, they are particularly vulnerable individuals and are especially susceptible to experiencing violence (including rape) by family or community members, being forced into early marriage, and being trafficked. Disability can also be seen as witchcraft by the community,  and because of that belief, in extreme cases, the child can be tortured or murdered (Asylos,  2021). 

These realities remind us that disability inclusion is not simply a social issue; it is a matter of equity, dignity, and equal opportunity. Every child deserves the chance to learn, grow, and contribute to society, regardless of ability. Empowering children with disabilities benefits not only the individual child but also families, communities, and the nation as a whole.

Why is empowering people with disabilities important?

Currently, there are around 35 million people with disabilities in Nigeria (JONAPWD, 2026); however, when it comes to children, the data remains highly unreliable. One of the most recent estimates is that about 7 million Nigerian children have some form of disability (African  Disability Rights Yearbook, 2023). However, many disabilities remain unrecognized or unreported, and the true number of children with disabilities is unknown. In any case, disability is not a rare occurrence, and ignoring these issues means excluding a significant proportion of the Nigerian population (roughly 15% of it). 

It’s important to recognise that disability can affect anyone. Some people are born with disabilities, some have family members with disabilities, while others acquire them later in life through illness, accidents, or violence. It is a reality that can affect anyone. 

People and children with disabilities are fully capable of contributing meaningfully to society; they simply lack opportunities and continue to face unfair social barriers. In societies where children with disabilities receive the support they need, they often grow into independent adults who contribute meaningfully to their communities and the economy. Like everyone else, they possess unique talents, perspectives, and abilities. Excluding children with disabilities not only violates their rights but also deprives society of valuable human potential. No country can reach genuine equality, prosperity, or well-being if it neglects its most vulnerable citizens. 

Many children also live with unrecognized learning disabilities. Because these conditions are rarely identified or adequately supported within the education system, affected children often struggle academically and face a greater risk of dropping out of school. Conditions such as dyslexia, ADHD, and dyscalculia can present learning challenges, but with early identification and the right support, these children can thrive both academically and beyond the classroom.

How can the situation be improved by you? 

The driving forces behind the poor treatment of people with disabilities in Nigerian culture are deeply rooted misconceptions and superstitious beliefs. Changing harmful beliefs and correcting misconceptions is a necessary first step to take so that children can have better futures ahead of them. This does not apply only to children with disabilities but also to others in marginalized groups, including every Nigerian girl. 

At Give Girls A Chance, we believe that no girl should be denied the opportunity to learn, thrive, and reach her full potential because of her background or ability. While our work focuses on expanding access to education, mentorship, and holistic support for girls, we also recognize that true inclusion means ensuring that girls with disabilities are not left behind. Building an equitable society requires all of us families, schools, communities, and organisations to intentionally create spaces where every child is seen, supported, and empowered to succeed.

While improving infrastructure, strengthening inclusive education systems, and expanding access to healthcare require long-term investment, changing attitudes begins with each of us. Every conversation that challenges harmful stereotypes, every act of inclusion, and every effort to advocate for children with disabilities helps build a society where every child has the opportunity to learn, belong, and thrive.

Here are four simple but meaningful ways you can be part of the change:

1. Educate yourself. You can learn about the real causes behind disabilities and what a wide variety there is of them. You can read about people with disabilities who have had successful lives. Even a few minutes of getting accurate information is beneficial. 

2. Don’t participate in discrimination. Understand that the person did not choose their disability, and it is neither their fault nor evidence that they are a bad person.  

3. See beyond disability. If you encounter people with disabilities in your life, meet them as individuals who have many traits alongside the disability. 

4. Educate others. If you have a chance, share with others what you have learned. Only in this way will the old myths be broken.

   
   

Want to learn more about how Give Girls A Chance is working to close the gender gap in ICT for Nigerian girls? Visit: https://www.givegirlsachanceng.org/programs