Students of the Christian Mission School for the Hearing Challenged in Ibadan protested yesterday against the Oyo State government’s plans to sell their 39-acre land. This land, located at kilometre 18 on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, is meant for Africa’s first university dedicated to the deaf. The students held placards asking Governor Seyi Makinde to stop encroachers, including political office holders, from taking over the land.
The placards carried messages like “The deaf have the right to live,” “Please do not snatch our land,” and “Don’t oppress the deaf.” Dr. Gbenga Idowu, a member of the school’s advisory board, explained that the school purchased the land in 2005. However, problems began when the state government acquired it in 2018 without informing them, despite the school’s proper registration of the property.
Dr. Idowu expressed frustration over losing land to a senator and other powerful individuals. He questioned why the land of vulnerable children was being targeted when other land is available. The school serves both Christian and Muslim children from across Nigeria, aiming to provide education and prevent deaf individuals from becoming marginalized.
The school’s existing facilities at Onireke are overcrowded, prompting the search for more space. Unfortunately, 19 acres of the new land have already been taken over by encroachers, despite existing school structures. Attempts to engage the government have been ignored or met with resistance, even after legal action resulted in a court injunction to stop work on the disputed land.
The school appeals directly to Governor Makinde, urging him to intervene and ensure justice. They emphasize the importance of protecting this land to support the education, dignity, and future independence of hearing-impaired students across the state. Without government action, the school fears losing the very space it needs to fulfill its mission.
