David Adejo, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, has heralded the approval of the revised national policy on inclusive education as a pivotal working document.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in an interview on Tuesday in Lagos, Adejo emphasized the policy’s aim to ensure that every individual, regardless of their circumstances, can enjoy equal access to quality education.
The 67th National Council On Education (NEC) meeting, held on December 14 and 15 in Lagos, witnessed several significant decisions.
Among these, the NEC approved the exemption of candidates with disabilities from the post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.
This exemption extends to prison inmates, adjusting their obtainable scores to 100 per cent, with minimal qualifications guaranteeing admission.
Adejo elucidated that the revised policy seeks inclusivity for all, striving to accommodate diverse needs and provide a level playing field in education.
He stressed the importance of recognizing education as a human right, asserting that every living person should have the opportunity to be educated.
Grace Billa, a Consultant and Inclusive Education Expert at SightSaver International, expressed satisfaction with the NEC’s approval of the policy and its accompanying implementation guide.
SightSaver, as a non-governmental organization, has long advocated for a revised policy to ensure students and individuals with disabilities receive equal access to education.
Billa highlighted SightSaver’s commitment to promoting a holistic education system that recognizes differences as strengths rather than limitations.
The NGO plans to set up a roundtable for stakeholders involved in implementing the policy by 2024.
Uche Enyioha, Project Coordinator of Inclusive Education Policy Review at The Albino Foundation (TAF), expressed excitement about the approval, describing inclusive education as critical for the well-being of people with disabilities.
Enyioha stressed the involvement of the private sector in education interventions, introducing a public-private sector arrangement for the development of Model Inclusive Schools run by private sector entities.
Despite the satisfaction with the approved policy, Enyioha expressed disappointment with the previous lack of articulation regarding the involvement of parents of special students.
TAF has now initiated a value chain process involving parents in the education of their wards.
The National Council On Education, chaired by the Minister of Education with the Minister of State as vice-chairman and representatives from the 36 states, alongside the Head of Education Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory, played a pivotal role in this significant educational policy shift.
The approved policy is expected to be domesticated by various states across the country, marking a transformative step towards inclusive and equitable education in Nigeria.
NAN
