Foundation Commends Lagos Govt For Promoting Inclusive Education, Asks for more.

By Adewale Adeyanju, Lagos

Friends of the Deaf International Foundation (FDF) has praised Lagos State Government for being at the forefront of promoting Inclusive Education through Lagos State Universal Basic Education (LSUBEB) and enjoined other States in Nigeria to emulate this kind gesture towards children with disabilities even as they request for more Inclusive schools.

FDF gave the commendation at the third edition of her Inclusive Spelling Bee event, held on 14th of June, in commemoration of their 7th anniversary and the 40th birthday celebration of the Founder of FDF – Mrs Funmilola Arike Ogunro.

In her welcome address, Funmi stated that in the Inclusive Spelling Bee stems out of passion to help children with special needs gain access to schools near home. She recalled how her late Deaf sister had to travel long distances away from home as a little child, in order to attend special school for her primary and secondary education. She mentioned that the event was organised to celebrate diversity and promote equitable education for all children, regardless of disability, in order to reduce the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria.

The Keynote Speaker, Mrs. Hilda Twins, HOD, Special Needs and Early Childhood Education Unit of Lagos State Universal Basic Education (LSUBEB) said the education board does not discriminate. Adding that “Lagos State Government will continue to invest in, and support inclusive education, because Special Needs children exhibited diversity and amazing talents. More of them are being assisted to discover and harness their potentials, which is the beauty of Inclusive Education.”

Speaking further, Mrs Twins noted that LASUBEB strives to include every child and is committed to improving teachers’ capacity at educating children with special needs.

The Executive Chairman of LSUBEB, Dr Hakeem Babatunde Shitu, assured that they will continue to uphold equity, justice and respect for children with disabilities without discrimination and will always support organizations to assist children with special needs in any capacity to enable them to excel in their education.

The Keynote Speaker, Mrs Hilda Twins, was awarded the Champion of Inclusive Education, while the Executive Chairman and the Board Secretary, Mr. Lamidi Hakeem were honored with Exceptional Education Leader awards.

The event brought together primary school pupils with all forms of disabilities amongst those without disability such as Albinism, Dwarfism, Deafness, Blindness, Physical and intellectual disabilities. Among the participating Inclusive Schools were: Maryland Primary School, Pacelli School for the Blind, Olisa Primary School, Local Govt Primary School Ipakodo, Bola Memorial, FDF Academy, Safrel SLDC, St Agatha Inclusive Learning Center, Irede Foundation scholars, Festus Fajemilo Foundation children and many others.