Administrative Response to Workplace Discrimination against Persons Living with Albinism in the Nigerian Public Service: A Study of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (2020-2025)

Abstract

This study examined administrative response to workplace discrimination against persons living with albinism in the Nigerian public service, with a specific focus on Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, from 2020 to 2025. The persistent gap between legal and policy frameworks and administrative implementation, evidenced by documented cases of employment discrimination, discriminatory hiring practices, workplace harassment, and the absence of reasonable accommodations for persons with albinism despite the existence of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, and the National Policy on Albinism, necessitated this research. The broad objective was to examine the administrative response to workplace discrimination against persons living with albinism at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, from 2020 to 2025. Two theories guided the study: Intersectionality Theory (Crenshaw, 1989, 1991) and the Social Model of Disability (Oliver, 1990, 1996). A quantitative research methodology was adopted using a cross-sectional survey design. Primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to 300 administrative staff, human resource personnel, and persons with albinism employed at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, selected through stratified random sampling and purposive sampling. Descriptive statistics including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations were used to analyse the data. The findings revealed that administrative response was grossly inadequate, with only 50 percent agreeing that an anti-discrimination policy exists, while 66.7 percent to 75 percent disagreed that designated complaint mechanisms, awareness programmes, employment quota enforcement, or reasonable accommodations are in place. Workplace discrimination was pervasive, with 75 percent agreeing that persons with albinism face unfair treatment in recruitment, promotion, and workplace harassment. Reasonable accommodation was virtually absent, with 75 percent disagreeing that large-print documents or sun protection are provided, and all persons with albinism reporting complete absence of accommodations. The study concluded that Nnamdi Azikiwe University has failed to implement the provisions of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, and the National Policy on Albinism, reflecting weak enforcement mechanisms, absence of designated officers, lack of awareness programmes, and failure to provide reasonable accommodations. The study recommended that the university management should establish a Designated Disability Rights Committee, enforce the 5 percent employment quota, implement targeted recruitment for persons with albinism, and provide mandatory reasonable accommodations including large-print documents, screen magnification software, sun protection, and flexible work arrangements.