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Ekiti State has taken centre stage in the national discourse on inclusive education as it plays host to the 36th Annual National Conference of the National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET).
Themed “Transformative Solutions to Inclusive Education Practices and Accessibility for Learners with Special Needs and Teachers in Nigeria,” the event calls attention to urgent gaps in Nigeria’s special education system and the need for systemic reforms.
The conference, supported by the Office of the Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, kicked off with a sensitisation rally through the streets of Ado-Ekiti, led by NASET National President, Dr. Catherine Atteng.
The walk began at the Oke Iyinmi roundabout and ended at the Governor’s Office, where participants were received by Ekiti State Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Folakemi Olomojobi, and Special Adviser on Social Inclusion, Princess Adetoun Agboola.
Dr. Olomojobi described the special educators as “exceptional nation builders,” acknowledging their role in executing reforms championed by Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji in special education schools.
She emphasised the need for continuous professional development, encouraging teachers to leverage government empowerment initiatives and seek personal advancement.
On her part, Princess Agboola, who facilitated a tour of the Children Therapy Centre in Oke Orí-Omi, in the state capital, stressed the Governor Oyebanji administration’s commitment to enhancing inclusive learning infrastructure, therapy access and welfare support for children with disabilities and their caregivers.
The NASET’s leadership later received further commendation, during a courtesy meeting with the Commissioner for Education, Dr. (Mrs.) Olabimpe Aderiye, where the commissioner emphasised the role of sign language and other inclusive tools in bridging communication gaps in classrooms and society.
“Inclusion goes beyond sympathy. It means full integration, support and equal opportunity, praising Princess Agboola’s proactive leadership in social inclusion,” she said.
Dr. Aderiye recalled the impacts of some of the inclusive practices already put in place in Ekiti, including an online sign language course which the commissioner said she had personally benefited from and further expressed her intention to learn braille, emphasizing that being equipped with tools to communicate with all learners, regardless of ability is a responsibility every education stakeholder must take seriously.
Responding, NASET President Dr. Atteng lauded Ekiti’s growing reputation as a pacesetter in special education and commended the transparent and responsive governance of the state’s education sector.
“Ekiti is setting a standard in inclusive learning. The support given to special educators here is both symbolic and practical,” she noted.
Dr. Atteng also drew attention to the unique skill set of her members, trained to teach in both conventional and special schools, calling on other states to emulate Ekiti’s inclusive governance model.