At the Annual Inclusive Education Conference held by the British Council and Partnership for Learning All in Nigeria (PLANE), Chief Ayuba Gufwan, the Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons With Disabilities, expressed the Federal Government’s dedication to fostering inclusive education across the nation.
Themed “Bridging the gap between inclusive education policy and practice,” the conference took place today 12th November, 2024 in Abuja; bringing together key stakeholders to discuss progress and strategies.
Chief Gufwan applauded the British Council and PLANE for their continued commitment to inclusive education, reaffirming the Commission’s dedication to working with all partners.
He also highlighted that inclusive education must extend beyond policy, emphasizing the need for its widespread adoption in schools nationwide.
Further in his presentation, the ES laid out a detailed action plan, advocating for an all-encompassing approach to inclusion and stressing that it should be a collective responsibility.
Additionally, Gufwan called for the adoption of sign language as an official language in Nigeria to improve communication for the Deaf community. He also emphasized the importance of disaggregated data for planning, urging stakeholders to work together to collect accurate information to support the needs of persons with disabilities.
The Minister of Education, Honorable Tunji Alausa, represented by the Minister of State Education, Dr. Suwaiba Ahmad, reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to ending discrimination in schools.
Hon. Alausa reassured attendees of the government’s support for the full implementation of the National Policy on Inclusive Education, formally launching the program and inaugurating the Committee on Inclusive Education.
Esther Bature from Sightsavers also addressed the gathering, sharing insights from inclusive education research conducted in regions like the North West of Nigeria. She stressed the importance of training teachers in inclusive practices to close gaps in the educational system and announced plans to engage more instructors in the future.
Signed
Mbanefo JohnMichaels Ikechukwu
Head Information and Public Relations Unit, NCPWD
