The Vice-Chancellor of Godfrey Okoye University, Rev. Fr. Prof. Christian Anieke has described the institution as “the most connected university in Nigeria and beyond,” reaffirming its growing global relevance and commitment to inclusive education.
The Vice-Chancellor made this assertion while addressing participants at an International Conference on Inclusive Education and Disability Communication in Nigeria, held at the Peter Mbah Law Auditorium. The conference was organised and sponsored by the Sapphire Initiative for Special Needs and Disability in collaboration with Godfrey Okoye University.
Rev. Fr. Prof. Anieke noted that the conference provides a unique platform for students to interact with scholars and academics beyond Nigeria’s geopolitical space, stressing that Godfrey Okoye University is deliberately positioned to move from being a local champion to a globally competitive institution. He emphasized that inclusive and special education is anchored on the philosophy of one humanity, one human family, one earth, and one creator, adding that the more educators cater to special needs, the more relevant they become.
Delivering the keynote address, former Dean of the Postgraduate School, Bowie State University, USA, Prof. Cosmos Nwaokafor, spoke on “Special Education and Communication Awareness: Building Bridges Using Communication Skills and Strategy to Overcome.” He highlighted the role of effective communication among educators, students, and parents, and advocated for the use of technologies such as Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices to support individuals with communication impairments.
The Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Education, Br. Prof. Ekene Osuji described inclusive education as a fundamental human right and called for social justice, effective policy implementation, access to mainstream education, and adequate teacher training to address ongoing segregation in society.
In her goodwill message, the Special Adviser to the Enugu State Governor on Education and Innovation, Dr. Chinyere Onyeisi commended the university for hosting what she described as a timely and impactful conference that addresses a largely neglected societal issue.
Other highlights included contributions from the President of Einstein Advocate, Mary Elizabeth Merrill, who emphasized the role of committed and professional teachers in achieving inclusion, and the Director of Sapphire Initiative for Special Needs and Disability, Ms. Nnenna Matilda Ogboso (an alumna of the university), who reaffirmed the commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind.
Godfrey Okoye University remains steadfast in championing inclusion, innovation, and global engagement, truly living its mission of education with impact.
