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FG Reaffirms Commitment to Inclusive Education

Federal Government Reaffirms Commitment to Inclusive Education, Trains 1,878 Teachers Nationwide

By AmforGod J. Olisa

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting inclusive education across Nigeria, aiming to ensure that the goal of basic education for all is fully achieved. This was highlighted by Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), during a training workshop for 1,878 teachers on the Inclusive Education Delivery Process in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Speaking at the event, held simultaneously at three venues in the state capital, Bobboyi emphasized the government’s dedication to expanding access to quality basic education, particularly for children who face challenges that may prevent them from attending school. He noted that the drive to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 4 focused on inclusive and equitable education places additional responsibility on education providers to enhance special needs education.

Bobboyi highlighted that 2% of the Federal Government’s consolidated revenue fund dedicated to the Universal Basic Education (UBE) program has been allocated to special needs education. He also praised the collaboration between UBEC and private providers of special needs education, noting their significant role in supporting these efforts. According to Bobboyi, out of the 1,019 special basic schools identified during the 2022/2023 National Personnel Audit, 515 were government-run, with a total enrollment of 124,867 learners, while 504 private special schools catered to 51,140 learners.

The Executive Secretary further disclosed that UBEC has procured assistive technologies, including braille machines, crutches, wheelchairs, and digital learning materials, to support special needs learners. These resources are tailored to meet the unique disabilities of students, and UBEC will continue to expand these efforts.

He explained that the training workshop was designed to equip teachers with the necessary skills to manage learners with diverse abilities and foster an inclusive environment within schools. The training also focused on early detection of disabilities, appropriate remedial actions, and fostering empathy and accommodation among school communities.

Dr. Aisha Abdul, Director of Special Programs at UBEC, lauded the commission for its initiative, noting that the training included 1,878 teachers from conventional and SMART schools nationwide. She revealed that UBEC has developed a 10-module training manual to guide capacity building and announced plans for follow-up mentoring programs to help teachers implement the lessons learned.

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