Impact of Education on the Knowledge and Attitude of People towards Albinos in the Federal College of Education, Pankshin, Plateau State, Nigeria

Albinism is a genetic condition that affects the pigmentation of the skin, eyes and hair. Albinos are born with an unusual “white” skin colouration. The hair appears bleached and the eyes are affected as they have to squint to see clearly. In Africa they are the subject of many negative myths and misconceptions that have stigmatized them and rendered them as outcasts in many communities. One of the major challenges they encounter is non-acceptability and therefore isolation from their family peers. In the education sector, their opportunities are restricted because of this psychological challenge of isolation but also because the schools are generally designed for non-albino students. The study investigates the impact that education may have on the knowledge and attitudes of staff and students towards albinos in the Federal College of Education, Pankshin, which is a tertiary institution.