About the Commission

The idea of inculcating knowledge and skills, through rehabilitating persons with disabilities (PWDs) was first conceived by the then Military Governor of Benue-Plateau State Police Commissioner Joseph Dechi Gomwalk in 1970.

The Governor, started by establishing what was known as the Provincial Workshop for the Blind Jos in 1973.

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This was converted to Government Vocational Training Centre for the Blind and relocated to Zawan in 1975. The institution offered a two-year training which led to the award of certificate of proficiency under the supervision of Benue-Plateau Ministry for Local Government and Social Welfare.

The Plateau State School for the Deaf Bassa was established in 1977. It was supervised by the Ministry of Education.

Similarly, Government Rehabilitation Centre for the Physically Impaired Zaria Road Jos was established in 1982 by the Plateau State Government.
In 2001 Plateau State Government under the leadership of Chief Joshua Dariye saw the need to start a Rehabilitation Board for PWDs. Plateau State Rehabilitation Board was the first board for PWDs in Nigeria, established to cater for the recuperation and reintegration of PWDs in the larger society on the Plateau. Precisely on the 21st December, 2005, Governor Dariye signed a bill into law which became the first law to protect PWDs in Nigeria, but was unable to establish a Commission that will implement and protect the law. This was the first bill signed towards establishing a Disability Rights Commission in Nigeria.

Eight years after signing of the bill into law by Dariye, Governor Da Jonah David Jang of Plateau State established the Commission and appointed Mrs Mary Jatau as the first Executive Chairman of the Commission to ensure the inclusion of PWDs in the state. With the coming of Barr. Simon Lalong as the Governor of Plateau State, he appointed Mr James David Lalu as the Executive Chairman after a tenure, Miss Kenan Mizim replaced him as the Executive Chairman.

Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, the Executive Governor of Plateau State on assumption of office in 2023, appointed Dr. Lengnen Jurmang Jikukka as the Executive Chairman of the Commission. Dr. Lengnen is to oversee the activities of the Commission.

The Commission is primarily saddled with the sole responsibility of coordinating and implementing activities that ensure full inclusion of PWDs into the mainstream of the society especially in the area of Education, Employment/Empowerment, Rehabilitation/Health and Civil Rights/Housing.

The dynamic Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang through the Commission is working assiduously to promote actively an environment in which persons with disabilities can effectively and fully participate in the conduct of public affairs, without discrimination and on an equal basis with others, as well as encourage their participation in public affairs.

The Commission is at the same time working hard to remove every form of discrimination against PWDs which negates the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018 signed in January 23, 2019. The Commission is equally trying to ensure that a plain level ground is provided for PWDs towards participation in political and public life.

Activity Update

His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwan delegated the Executive Chairman of Plateau State Disability Rights Commission, Dr. Lengnen Jurmang Jikukka on Tuesday 12th November, 2025 for a crucial welfare visit to Miss Afiniki Gadi who had suffered paralysis and now a student of JETS. The visit was a direct and humane follow-up to her prior visit and interaction with the Disability Rights Commission. Afiniki, a brave and determined student navigating life as a person who had suffered from paralysis, approached the Commission to formerly request for support. Combining the condition with academic work (study) and deprived financial situation, presented a compelling case for support. A bag of rice, jar of palm oil and undisclosed sum of money were presented to her. On receiving the items, Afiniki’s face was filled with visible relief and deep emotions. Speaking with humility and sincerity, the student expressed her thanks to the Executive Governor of Plateau State and the entire staff of D.R.C. She added thus, ‘’I can now eat and focus better on my studies; I feel valued and honored’’. The welfare visit was a powerful demonstration of love in action. It is not a mare presentation of materials, but a strong action that the government of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwan cares about the immediate personal needs of its citizens especially those with disabilities and remains committed to actively supporting persons with special needs in Plateau State, ensuring that no one is left behind in their pursuit of a dignified and fulfilled life.