By Auwal Ahmed Ibrahim, Goronyo
Like the crawling of a child, life begins from the grass to the grace. The sky is just a starting point of success to people who are destined for a destiny. Among the numerous women of destiny in Kaduna Polytechnic (KadPoly), we have Dr. Grace Jamila Bila, the Deputy Rector, Academics of Kaduna Polytechnic. Dr. Grace is a vibrant personality, a champion of letters, an amazon of knowledge and a shining path of education.
Through her journey of teaching she built bridges for people to cross and inspired hearts full of containment, confidence and resilience. She was from a decent Christian family, nurtured with good guidance and mentorship of nationalism and empathy. She grew up being a simple, charming and charismatic woman who learnt to build ladders for people to reach to their world of dreams. Her stay in Kaduna Polytechnic has brought good change in her Department and made a good impact in Kaduna Polytechnic. Dr. Grace is an advocate of change, a dynamic academic, a socialist and a motivator of hope and strength in the weak hearts.
Dr. Grace Jamila Bila is a distinguished academic, educator, and advocate for inclusive education, with over three decades of impactful work in the field of Special and Inclusive Education. Born in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, she began her academic journey at the prestigious St. Theresa’s Convent Girls’ School, Jos, and proceeded to ECWA Mission Secondary School, Miango, Plateau State for her secondary education.
Dr. Bila holds a Diploma in Special Education & Rehabilitation and has earned multiple degrees from renowned institutions:
- B.Ed. in Special Education (Hearing Impairment) – University of Jos
- M.Ed. in Educational Administration & Planning – Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
- PhD in Special/Inclusive Education and Leadership – Capella University, USA
A proud alumna of Kaduna Polytechnic, the University of Jos, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, and Capella University in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, Dr. Bila is a passionate scholar with over 50 published academic works, including peer-reviewed journal articles and books, both locally and internationally.
Professional Memberships
Dr. Bila is actively engaged in professional, religious, and social organizations, including:
- Nigeria Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET)
- Division of International Special Education & Services (DISES)
- National Association of Exceptional Children (NAEC)
- Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
- National Association of Educational Planners (NAEP)
- World Organization for Early Childhood Education (OMEP)
- International ECWA Women Fellowship
- Iho’tu Ngbole Women’s Association
International Exposure
Her extensive work has taken her to international conferences, seminars, and workshops in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Senegal, Ghana, Togo, and across South Africa, including Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town.
Key Appointments and Contributions
Dr. Bila has served in numerous impactful roles within academia, government, and international development:
- Deputy Rector (Academic), Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna
- Head, Department of Special Needs Education & Rehabilitation Sciences, Kaduna Polytechnic
- National Consultant on Education, Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), Nigeria
- UNICEF Consultant – Evaluation & Establishment of Early Childhood Centres (Kaduna & Niger States)
- Curriculum Consultant – Nomadic Education Commission, Nigeria
- Education Consultant – Sightsavers International (Disability & Inclusive Education)
- Education Consultant – FCDO’s PLANE Programme, Nigeria
- Research Scholar – Africa Polling Institute (Disability Research, Northwest Nigeria)
- TETFund Award Recipient (IBR & NRF) – Twice
- Curriculum Designer – BSc. Ed. Special Needs Education, Federal University, Lafia
- NUC Resource Verification Consultant – Federal University, Lafia
- Member – Governing Council, Delta School of Computer Technology & Management Studies, Agbor, Delta State
- Member – Governing Council, Kaduna Polytechnic
- Educational Research Consultant – DFID (ESSPIN Project)
- Zonal Coordinator (Northwest), National Association of Exceptional Children (NAEC)
- Vice President, NAEC
Advocacy and Impact
Dr. Bila is widely recognized for her unwavering commitment to the capacity development of persons with disabilities and the promotion of inclusive education in Nigeria and beyond. Her leadership has significantly influenced education policy, research, and practice, particularly in the areas of special education, early childhood education, and curriculum development. A seasoned educator and mentor, she is revered as a teacher of teachers, a community developer, and a visionary scholar. Her work continues to inspire educators, researchers, and policymakers working toward a more inclusive and equitable education system.
Dr. Grace Jamila Bila is happily married and blessed with children and grandchildren.
Auwal Ahmed Ibrahim, Goronyo is a staff of Kaduna Polytechnic and a correspondent of Kadpoly Chronicle and Member, Kaduna Polytechnic Media Unit. Goronyo can be reached via auwalgoronyo@gmail.com
Mark of excellence
Weldone ma
How can Dr. Bila’s approach to inclusive education be replicated in other institutions across Nigeria to ensure more equitable access to learning?
Your journey in education and your commitment to touching lives have been nothing short of inspiring. You’ve set a standard of excellence, compassion, and strength that I admire. I’m proud of you — and I pray your impact continues to grow.”