To enhance educational opportunities for students with special needs, the federal government has reaffirmed its dedication to removing barriers to quality learning for all students across the country. This renewed commitment was expressed during a capacity-building workshop for teachers on Inclusive Education Delivery in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Hamid Bobboyi, the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), has been a key figure in this project and stressed the government’s commitment to advancing inclusive education. He pointed out that a segment of Nigeria’s Consolidated Revenue Fund is allocated for special needs schools, ensuring ongoing financial support for inclusive initiatives.
Bobboyi emphasised that two percent of the revenue fund is designated as an intervention fund to facilitate the Universal Basic Education (UBE) initiative. Since its launch, the UBE initiative has progressed in addressing the academic needs of students with disabilities and enhancing their learning access through tailored interventions and support mechanisms. The government’s Investment and targeted approach to special needs education indicate an effort to enhance opportunities for students with varying requirements to attain quality learning. He emphasised that this program is a sustained endeavour to ensure that all children can prosper in a setting tailored to their needs, regardless of physical or mental challenges.
Several organisations partner to create programs for disabled children.
Since the launch of the UBE initiative across the country, learning for children with disabilities have been a vital concern, and this commitment will continue to be a key focus as the government aims to broaden its influence. By sustaining this support, the nation hopes to include more learners, enabling them to engage in the academic system. UBEC’s partnership with private organisations to create initiatives tailored for children with disabilities is essential to this inclusive academic strategy.
These collaborations have played a critical role in enhancing school services for those who need extra assistance, allowing a more comprehensive methodology that caters to unique learning requirements. Bobboyi provided important findings from the national personnel audit conducted in 2022/2023, emphasising the extent of the country’s Infrastructure for special academics. The audit reveals 1,019 Special Basic Schools in the region, with 515 government-run institutions providing the academic needs of 124,867 students with disabilities. Within the private sector, 405 specialised institutions serve 51,140 students, underscoring the government’s commitment to addressing children’s varied academic requirements.
UBEC trains teachers nationwide to improve inclusive academic delivery.
To enhance the effectiveness of inclusive education, UBEC has made Teacher professional growth a key focus. The seminar held in Uyo improved teachers’ abilities in implementing inclusive academic strategies, ensuring that they are prepared to meet the diverse needs of every student, including those with specific challenges. Hajia Aisha Abdul, the Director of Special Programs at UBEC, stated that the commission has been dedicated to enhancing the skills of teachers across the nation. Recently, 1,878 teachers from diverse regions participated in a training session, which provided them with essential expertise to deliver inclusive education effectively.
From this group of educators, 50 were chosen from 25 traditional schools, while the remaining participants were sourced from 14 active SMART schools run by UBEC, which focus on supporting inclusive academic strategies. This targeted funding for teacher development demonstrates the government’s acknowledgement of the vital importance of schools in promoting inclusive academics. The government is establishing a foundation for an equitable academic framework that focuses on every child’s needs by equipping teachers with the necessary resources to support varied learners.
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The seminar provided a platform for stakeholders to engage in conversations about the challenges and possibilities related to inclusive education, enhancing cooperation among government bodies, private organisations, and teaching professionals. UBEC persists in collaborating with public and private organisations to advance academics while introducing creative strategies tailored to the distinct requirements of students with disabilities. However, through ongoing investments in infrastructure, teacher training, and collaborative partnerships, the government is building a more inclusive and supportive academic system that caters to the needs of every learner. This dedication to inclusivity is crucial to promoting academic equity and providing opportunities for all students, regardless of their abilities or backgrounds.