The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to building a school system where every learner, regardless of gender, disability, socio-economic status or background, is welcomed, protected and empowered to thrive.
Speaking in Abuja at the weekend during the opening ceremony of a two-day workshop for special education officers from the 36 states and the FCT, organised by the National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC), Minister of State for Education Prof. Suwaiba Sa’idu Ahmad, said Nigeria’s National Policy on Inclusive Education was developed to remove barriers to learning, ensure equity, and improve access to quality education for all, especially learners with disabilities and those facing systemic disadvantages.
The event was organised to boost the capacity of Special Education Desk Officers from the 36 States and Federal Capital Territory with the theme: “Promoting Inclusive, Safe, and Gender-Sensitive Learning Environments for All.”
Prof. Ahmad called for collaboration from school owners, development partners and state governments to promote inclusive and gender learning schools to promote national development.
Ahmed, represented by Deputy Director, Science and Technology Department of the ministry, Kehinde Osinaike urged participants to make use of the opportunity provided to carry everyone along.
She explained that the workshop was a critical step in translating gender and inclusive education policies into tangible and everyday practices.
The minister said, “The National Policy on Inclusive Education was developed to remove barriers to learning, ensure equity, and improve access to quality education for all, especially learners with disabilities and those facing systemic disadvantages.
“Alongside this, the National Policy on Gender Education provides a framework for eliminating gender disparities and ensuring that both girls and boys have equal opportunities to access, participate in, and benefit from education.
“But as we all know, policies are only as effective as their implementation, and we must go beyond rhetoric.”
The minister pledged President Tinubu’s commitment to advancing inclusive and equitable education in the country.
Executive Secretary, NSSEC, Dr Iyela Ajayi said the essence of the capacity workshop was to equip the desk officers with modern trends in implementing inclusive practices that would address Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
Ajayi said that for there to be meaningful change, there was the need to empower the frontline officers who are the direct link to our schools and communities.
The NSSEC chief said: “Our goal is to transform our senior secondary schools into true sanctuaries of learning, where every child, irrespective of their abilities, gender, or background, feels valued and safe
“As Special Education Officers, you are the architects of inclusion in our educational system. You are the advocates, the monitors, and the support systems that ensure our policies translate into meaningful action.
“Your role is central to dismantling barriers, fostering a culture of acceptance, and ensuring that no learner is left behind.”
Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Ayuba Gufwan, said that statistics showed that 35.5 million persons are living with disabilities, hence the need to address critical issues affecting them.
He said that in reality, everyone created is living with one form of disability or the other and as such must not ignore their challenges.
Gufwan expressed worry over the challenges faced by Persons with Disabilities, noting that most schools do not have ramps for easy access for PWDs.
