I am Ibrahim Sani Adam, a deaf individual and a student of Criminology and Security Studies from the prestigious institution, University of Ilorin, I am appalled by the Police Service Commission’s (PSC) recent statement regarding the recruitment of deaf persons into the Nigeria Police Force. The assertion that deaf individuals are unfit to serve in the police force is not only discriminatory but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes and posing a significant threat to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policy.
I recently completed my IT/SIWES (Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme) at the State Command Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force, Ilorin, Kwara State, under the legal unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department. This experience further solidified my passion for reforming the force and bridging the gap between law enforcement and the deaf community.
My personal encounter as a victim of police brutality in 2014, where I was almost shot at Jobele junction of Afijio Local Government, Oyo State, drives my passion to reform the force. I pursued a degree in Criminology to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the deaf community. The lack of understanding and communication between police officers and deaf individuals can lead to devastating consequences, as I experienced firsthand.
The PSC’s statement is a clear example of systemic ableism, which perpetuates discrimination against individuals with disabilities. Deaf individuals possess the same capabilities and potential as hearing individuals to serve in the police force which is why it is important to recognize it.
It is noteworthy that other paramilitary agencies in Nigeria have successfully recruited deaf individuals without discrimination. During the last administration, the Nigeria Drugs and Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) recruited four deaf individuals into their Agency, and they are still doing well. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) also recruited a deaf person. More recently, the National Commission for the Coordination and Control of Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NATCOM) recruited a deaf person who is still under training. The Nigeria Police Force must learn to emulate its sister paramilitary agencies by recruiting deaf individuals without discrimination or expressing derogatory statements, which unfortunately the PSC did.
I advocate for the establishment of disability desk officers, a model already successfully implemented in some African and advanced countries. This initiative will provide a dedicated platform for individuals with disabilities to access justice and receive support from trained and empathetic officers across divisional stations in the country.
As a proud student of the University of Ilorin, I am equipped and trained in such an important discipline, and it has provided me with a widening knowledge of the complexities of security through my personal research and findings.
I urge the PSC to reconsider its stance and recognise the value that deaf individuals can bring to the police force. It is time to break down barriers and promote diversity and inclusion in law enforcement which creates a stronger and more compassionate society.
•Ibrahim Sani Adam, writes from Kwara State Ilorin.
