The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has ordered the re-assessment of Miss Precious Umoru to begin her training at the Edo State College of Nursing Sciences, Benin City, the Edo State capital.

Miss Umoru was admitted at the College and later advised to withdraw after preliminary assessment of her physical condition, which was not disclosed at the point of admission.

According to a viral report by SaharaReporters, she was denied admission after the school accepted her N335,000 Fees.

“She was denied entry into the school despite paying N335,000 in instalments, and after interviewing her — physical interview — before she was given the admission, it’s so sad,” a source in the school said.

Miss Precious Umoru called on Governor Godwin Obaseki and human rights organisations to come to her aid.

“Please, I need the public to join me in speaking out; I got admission into Edo State College of Nursing Sciences, I started lectures on a Monday and by Wednesday they told me to leave the school that I’m not flexible enough, that they don’t want someone like me, all because I have a bent posture.”

“I have a right to education and Edo State College of Nursing Sciences is taking it away from me.”

When SaharaReporters called the school on its official phone line displayed on its website, an official who answered the call said Precious should come to the school to make a complaint, adding that it is unusual for the school to withdraw the admission of any student after being issued.

Upon learning of the case, Governor Godwin Obaseki intervened and requested that another assessment be conducted and that Miss. Umoru be provided with all necessary support for her condition for the re-assessment exercise.

In a Tuesday statement by the Provost, Edo State College of Nursing Sciences, Prof. Patricia U. Ukaigwe;

“The Admission Committee had deemed her eligible for admission based on her cognitive function and score on the CBT exam, but upon her arrival at the school premises, the hostel manager observed that she had unstable gait and tremors.

“A meeting was called between the Counselling Department of the College and Miss. Umoru’s parents, where the nature and history of her condition were reviewed to reach a fair decision on her physical fitness for the College’s rigorous training.

“As part of this process, a preliminary assessment was conducted which had suggested that she might not be able to withstand the physical rigours of midwifery training.

The rescheduled assessment will take place on Thursday 13th April 2023 and the public will be provided with the necessary updates on the exercise.

“We want to assure that the College will not intentionally deny anyone an opportunity to get the best training and capacity enhancement in healthcare services.

Edo State College of Nursing Sciences, Benin City, was established in 1954 by the then Western Region Government to train nurses who will satisfy the medical and health needs of the people.

Both national and international laws guarantee the right to education for all without discrimination.

The recently passed Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018 in Nigeria provides that a person with a disability shall have an unfettered right to education without discrimination or segregation in any form.

It further stipulates that all public educational establishments shall be run to be inclusive of and accessible to persons with disabilities.

In 2015, Nigeria adopted the National Policy on Special Needs Education. Additionally, the Child Rights Act outlines that every child has the right to free, compulsory and basic education.

“Every child has the right to education, a right which is essential for the exercise of all other human rights,” it states.