In a resounding call for change, the British Council has urged the federal government to make inclusive education for students with special needs a top priority in Nigeria. This call was emphasized during the Annual Inclusive Education Conference held in Abuja, organized by the British Council.
Chikodi Onyeremela, the British Council Director of Programme, highlighted the importance of inclusive education in providing equal opportunities and platforms for all children, irrespective of their abilities or disabilities. He emphasized that inclusive education aligns with the pursuit of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the need for diversified opportunities.
"On a global scale, nations integrate inclusive strategies into their educational systems. We must cast our net far and wide, recognizing the thin line between ability and disability. The government needs to establish mechanisms to ensure the concerns of students with disabilities are addressed within our educational system," stated Onyeremela.
Ismail Jinadu, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Educational Research Development Council (NERDC), emphasized the government's responsibility in fulfilling the fundamental rights of children's education. He called for the design of a curriculum that caters to all children with special needs, acknowledging that while NERDC has a robust framework for special needs education, implementing it requires an urgent and comprehensive approach.
Minister of State for Education, Yusuf Sununu, highlighted Nigeria's commitment to inclusion and equality by signing and ratifying the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Article 24. This article mandates that all schools be inclusive and accessible to all children, including those with disabilities. Furthermore, Nigeria has committed to the 17 SDGs, specifically goal four, aiming to provide qualitative, functional, and effective basic education to all school-age children, including those with disabilities, by 2030.
In support of these commitments, Sununu affirmed that the Ministry is actively collaborating with relevant agencies and development partners to establish a support system addressing challenges identified in inclusive education. He stated, "Recognizing the diverse needs of our students, we will continue to strengthen and expand inclusive education programs, ensuring that no child is left behind. Our mission is to dismantle existing barriers to the attainment of these goals and ensure that every child's right to quality education is attained."
The British Council's call for prioritizing inclusive education reflects a crucial step towards building an educational system that embraces diversity and ensures that students with special needs receive the quality education they deserve. As stakeholders unite to address challenges and implement inclusive policies, the vision of leaving no child behind becomes an achievable reality.
Inclusive Education For Students With Special Needs by Educator Hub