Sokoto champions inclusive education, implements disability law

The Sokoto State government has pledged to implement the newly signed Persons with Disabilities Act.

This commitment was reaffirmed by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Nasir Binji, during a meeting with members of the “Education for All Cluster,” supported by USAID and the Palladium consortium, as part of the USAID-Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement (SCALE) Project in Sokoto State.

Mr. Binji underscored the importance of the advocacy visit, describing it as a crucial reminder of the need for an inclusive education system and gender policy that benefits all citizens.

He highlighted that Governor Ahmad Aliyu’s signing of the Persons with Disabilities Act marks a pivotal milestone in enhancing the lives of persons living with disabilities in the state.

“The law provides for the inclusion of all in programs, the provision of ramps for easy passage in public infrastructure, including classes, toilets, and other structures in our schools, the provision of Braille for blind students, and other relevant educational materials,” Mr. Binji stated.

He further noted that the law mandates the establishment of special schools in each of the state’s three senatorial zones and facilitates the domestication of national gender policy and inclusive education programs.

The commissioner also commended USAID, Palladium, and the six cluster organizations involved in the project, assuring them of the state government’s unwavering support to achieve the desired outcomes.

Echoing this commitment, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Balarabe Kadadi, stressed the government’s resolve to increase budgetary allocations and implement an inclusive education system across Sokoto State. Represented by the Director of International Cooperation, Musa Wamakko, Mr. Kadadi announced the formation of a technical committee tasked with streamlining gender policy, inclusive education, and other supportive measures.

“The committee will fine-tune modalities for establishing more special schools, recruiting qualified teachers, ensuring ministerial harmony, and addressing the needs of physically challenged persons,” Mr. Kadadi explained. He emphasized that all individuals, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or physical differences, possess the potential to live fulfilling lives.

Abdu Yusuf, the leader of the “Education for All Cluster,” highlighted that the advocacy visit is part of a broader effort to garner support and cooperation for the effective implementation of inclusive systems and gender policies in the state. He stressed the importance of stakeholder support, particularly from the Ministry of Justice, Budget and Economic Planning, and affiliated agencies, to the success of this initiative.

The cluster members have proactively engaged with the State House of Assembly, various ministries, and agencies to solicit maximum support for the successful implementation of gender policy and an inclusive education system.

This inclusive approach is expected to significantly improve the educational landscape and societal integration for all residents of Sokoto State.

NAN