Badagry, Lagos — The Gifted and Talented School for the Deaf in Ibereko, Badagry, has called on government, philanthropists, and the public to support its mission of providing quality education for deaf and disadvantaged children in the area.
Speaking during a press conference on Wednesday, the school’s founder and administrator, Mr. Raheem Kehinde Akewusola, said the initiative was established in 2022 to bridge the gap in special needs education within Badagry and surrounding communities.
Mr. Akewusola, a deaf technician and alumnus of Obafemi Awolowo University, explained that many parents of deaf children in Badagry have long been forced to send their wards to distant areas such as Surulere, Ojokoro, Egbeda, and even outside Lagos State — a situation that places heavy financial and emotional burdens on families.
“Our goal is to bring deaf education to the doorsteps of families in Badagry so children no longer have to endure the difficulties I experienced during my own education,” he said.
Currently catering for about 20 pupils from Primary One to Six, the school plans to expand into junior and senior secondary education in the near future. Its vision, according to Akewusola, is to “empower deaf leaders for a brighter and rewarding future” through education, sign language, and innovation.
While noting some modest achievements — such as raising awareness among parents about the availability of special education in Badagry — Akewusola stressed that the school urgently needs support to secure a permanent site, acquire a school bus, provide adequate learning and vocational training materials, recruit and retain qualified staff, and ensure the safety and security of its students.
Akewusola urged the media to help publicise the school’s mission and location to attract the attention of donors, partners, and community members.
“The era of hiding deaf children at home has gone. With sign language, every deaf child can fulfil their potential if given the right education. We want to make our school a reference point for deaf education in Lagos State and Nigeria,” he added.
The Gifted and Talented School for the Deaf serves not only Badagry but also Olorunda LCDA, neighbouring Lagos councils such as Ojo, Amuwo-Odofin, Ajeromi-Ifelodun, and parts of Ogun State.
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