The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has commended Barrister Shola Gabriel, Director of Legal Services and Board Secretary of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), for what it described as his outstanding and selfless contribution to the cause of disability inclusion in Nigeria.
In a statement signed by its National PRO, Comrade Adeyemi Samson, the student body expressed deep appreciation to Barrister Gabriel for his “rare act of patriotic commitment and social justice.”
According to NANS, Barrister Gabriel personally facilitated the employment of 13 persons with disabilities into federal government agencies a gesture the association said was not carried out as part of his official duties, but as a personal mission to correct systemic imbalance and promote equity.
The statement further noted that beyond his direct interventions, Barrister Gabriel has also taken a bold legal step by instituting a court case against 16 federal agencies that recently conducted recruitment exercises without adhering to the provisions of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018.
Describing the move as both lawful and courageous, NANS said: “This is not only a constitutional act but a moral stand against exclusion, marginalisation, and injustice. It represents the kind of leadership our country needs leadership that dares to confront wrongs and demand fairness.”
The student body hailed Barrister Gabriel as a true hero of the people and a beacon of hope for all advocates of justice, inclusion, and good governance.
“His actions challenge public servants across the nation to rise above convenience and mediocrity, and to become champions of the oppressed and voiceless,” the statement added.
NANS also called on Nigerians in positions of influence to emulate Barrister Gabriel’s example, noting that if more leaders took such bold and humane initiatives, Nigeria would be a far more inclusive and equitable society.
“Barrister Shola Gabriel has made history, not just by what he has done, but by the powerful message his actions have sent to future generations that one man, with purpose and courage, can make a difference,”the statement read.