Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has been honoured as the Champion of Disability Inclusion in Nigeria by the Nigeria Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET). The recognition came during the opening session of the Association’s 36th Annual Conference held on Tuesday in Ado-Ekiti.
In addition to the honorary title, Governor Oyebanji was also conferred with a Fellowship of the Association. The conference, themed “Transformative Solutions and Inclusive Education for Learners with Disabilities,” brought together educators and stakeholders from across the country to explore sustainable strategies for inclusive education.
Delivering her opening remarks, NASET National President, Dr. Catherine James Atteng, praised Governor Oyebanji’s administration for embedding inclusivity into the state’s policies and governance structures. She described his leadership as visionary and commended his commitment to breaking down barriers that hinder persons with disabilities from accessing essential services. Dr. Atteng noted that Ekiti had become a model of accessibility and inclusion, where people with disabilities feel valued and empowered.
Represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Habibat Adubiaro, Governor Oyebanji reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to creating an inclusive society. He highlighted several reforms and programmes that have significantly improved the quality of life for persons with disabilities in the state. These include the establishment of Ekiti’s first therapy centre, improved facilities at special schools, and various empowerment initiatives in education, healthcare, and vocational development.
The Governor emphasized that disability inclusion is not merely a policy but a central philosophy of his administration. He attributed the state’s progress to the creation of dedicated structures such as the Office of Special Education and Social Inclusion and the Agency for Disabilities Affairs, which are supported by enabling laws passed under his leadership.
He urged participants at the conference to ensure that their deliberations result in practical, implementable recommendations that will positively impact the lives of persons with disabilities across the country. According to him, disability advocacy and inclusion require collective commitment from all stakeholders.
In her welcome remarks, Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Adetoun Agboola, expressed gratitude to the Governor for his consistent support. She announced that plans are underway for the launch of Nigeria’s first inclusive school in Ikole-Ekiti, which is expected to commence operations in September. She said the school aims to integrate children with disabilities alongside their peers in a shared learning environment, a development that is already boosting enrolment in special schools across the state.
Also speaking at the event, the Ekiti State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Adebimpe Aderiye, lauded Governor Oyebanji’s empathy-driven approach to governance. She described the establishment of the Office of Special Education and Social Inclusion as a turning point in ensuring synergy across government agencies for the benefit of the disability community.
The conference is expected to provide a roadmap for advancing inclusive education in Nigeria, drawing inspiration from Ekiti State’s exemplary model.
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