DISCRIMINATION AND EXCLUSION OF ALBINOS IN NIGERIA: EDUCATIONAL IMPLICATIONS

Abstract

One of society’s severest ways of stigmatizing persons with albinism is by dehumanizing them, which invariably forms the basis for several other horrendous attacks on them. The unimaginable rate at which albinos are unjustly treated tends to have created an atmosphere of panic for these ‘at-risk’ persons, making them live in unbridled state of fear. Apart from their distinctive appearance, a total ignorance about albinism seems to have led to serious ill treatment against them. Yet, this talk about albinos being stigmatized and maltreated in parts of Nigeria sounds like a fable to many. The painful part is that it appears so unnoticed making the problem even more pathetic. However, evidences tend to show that being an albino in Nigeria is often linked with a deep feeling of hopelessness, worthlessness and insignificance just like some other forms of disabilities. In most parts of Nigeria, including Imo State, albinos are treated differently from other people; oftentimes with disgust. This has the tendency to instill intense trauma and anxiety in the albinos themselves and their lives already loaded with the tension of their circumstance, creating continuous feelings of inferiority complex and uneasiness. Stigmatization of people living with albinism has made them face serious unfair treatment especially in the areas of schooling, employment, social relationships, marriage, and so on. The justification for these ill treatments is founded on many superstitious beliefs, notable among which is the false narrative that albinos are cursed specie that brings bad luck to the community. This study therefore is a cursory exposé on the educational implications of discrimination and exclusion of albinos in Nigeria