NAEC Commends Inclusive Education Initiatives, Hammers Learning Support for children With Learning Dissabilities.

The National Association for Exceptional Children (NAEC), has called for broader support for Children with learning disabilities.

Expressing appreciation to government bodies who have made significant efforts aimed at making education more affordable, accessible, and inclusive for students with special needs across the country.

In a recent statement, NAEC highlighted several commendable initiatives being taken by government ministries, educational institutions, and individuals in promoting equity in education.

Highlighting that 75% subsidy on school fees for students living with disabilities was recently approved by the management of Federal University, Lafia, in addition to this a ₦100,000 school fees waiver was approved for students with special needs at Kwara State University.

The formulation of Disability Policies in several universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, aimed at improving campus inclusion, promoting dignity, and ensuring a more supportive learning environment for students with disabilities.

NAEC as well, commended the exemplary contributions of institutions such as the Universities of Ibadan, Calabar, Jos, Medical Sciences in Ondo, and the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo, for their continued leadership in advancing special needs education and disability studies in Nigeria.

The association further acknowledged the impactful interventions of key federal bodies, including the Federal Ministries of Education, Health, and Humanitarian Services, the Universal Basic Education Commission, and the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, for their roles in equalizing educational opportunities for all Nigerian children, regardless of disability.

Special recognition was given to the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for its targeted efforts to remove barriers faced by candidates with disabilities, particularly those with visual and physical impairments.

NAEC noted the establishment of the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG) and JAMB’s ongoing plans to enhance the availability of assistive aids in universities as significant strides toward inclusive education.

While recognizing these achievements, NAEC used the opportunity to call on more ministries, agencies, institutions, and well meaning individuals to emulate these positive steps.

The association urged stakeholders to develop and implement policies that ensure education in Nigeria becomes truly inclusive, accessible, equitable, and affordable for all learners, including those with special needs.