In a landmark move reflecting commitment to inclusive education, the Sokoto State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MBSE) has earned praise for nominating a person with a disability to participate in a national capacity-building workshop for Special Education Desk Officers.
The two-day workshop, held from June 19th to 20th, 2025, at the Stone Hedge Hotel in Abuja, was organized by the National Senior Secondary School Commission, Abuja. Themed “Promoting Inclusive, Safe, and Gender-Sensitive Learning Environment for All,” the event aimed to enhance the capacity of Desk Officers in the implementation of the National Policy on Inclusive Education and the National Policy on Gender in Education, with a special focus on addressing and preventing gender-based violence in schools.
Abdulsalam Abubakar Sokoto, a Deaf educator and Chief Educational Officer (Special Education), was selected to represent Sokoto State at the workshop, making him the only participant with a disability among representatives from the 36 states and the FCT.
Abdulsalam Abubakar
Abubakar expressed deep appreciation to the Sokoto State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, led by the Honourable Commissioner, Professor Ahmed Ladan Ala, for entrusting him with the responsibility despite not holding the typical Director-level rank common among other state nominees. He credited the Director of Quality Assurance for recognizing his competence and encouraging his nomination, which he described as a significant gesture of inclusion and trust.
“This nomination demonstrates that Sokoto State values the abilities of people with disabilities and recognizes our potential to contribute meaningfully to educational development,” Abubakar said.
He also commended the administration of His Excellency, Governor Dr. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, for fostering an environment that promotes equal opportunity and inclusivity.
Abubakar’s participation in the workshop stands as a strong message that disability is not inability, and that inclusive policies must be reflected in action—not just words.
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