In a significant step towards advancing special education and social inclusion in Ekiti State, the Ministry of Education’s School Department recently convened a stakeholders’ meeting. The event, held to promote the development of special education frameworks and encourage social inclusion practices in schools, saw participation from various stakeholders, including education officers, principals , and notable government officials.
The meeting featured Mrs. Rhoda Olufunke Ojo, Chairman of the Teaching Service Commission, who emphasized the necessity of raising awareness among both teaching and non-teaching staff about the unique challenges faced by students with special needs. She shared an inspiring case of a deaf student who attended Christ School 40 years ago, where teachers quickly adapted by learning sign language to accommodate the child’s needs. “Today’s session highlights the importance of understanding the diverse requirements of all students under our care,” said Mrs. Ojo.
Princess Adetoun Agboola, the Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, led a crucial segment of the event. Agboola addressed the attendees on best practices for supporting students with disabilities, stressing the importance of fostering a culture of acceptance for special needs students within mainstream educational settings. “It’s vital that we establish a conversation about inclusive education in Ekiti State,” she stated.
Agboola elaborated on the state’s current approach, explaining that while Ekiti has made strides in supporting individuals with disabilities, the existing special schools structure are predominantly integrative . “We recognize that our special schools tend to be segregated, with children belonging to specific categories of disabilities. Our goal is to transition towards a model of inclusivity where all students, regardless of their challenges, can learn together,” she asserted.
The Special Adviser emphasized the need for feedback from participants to enhance the effectiveness of inclusive education policies. “Today’s program is not just a discussion; it’s a foundation for shaping our educational future towards a more inclusive system that aligns with global standards,” Agboola added.
Dr. Kofoworola Aderiye, the Commissioner for Education, also commended the participants and encouraged them to learn additional languages and sign language to facilitate better communication beyond English and local dialects.
The workshop underscored the importance of collaboration among educators, policymakers, and the community, aiming to ensure that every child, regardless of their ability, has access to quality education in an inclusive environment. With the combined efforts of stakeholders, the initiative aims to set a precedent for a more inclusive educational framework in Ekiti State, paving the way for a brighter future for students with special needs.
