The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting special needs education, aiming to break down barriers to quality education for all. Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), made this promise during a capacity-building workshop for teachers on inclusive education delivery in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
According to Dr. Bobboyi, 2% of the federal government’s Consolidated Revenue Fund, dedicated to the Universal Basic Education (UBE) program, is allocated to special needs education. This intervention will continue to enable more learners with special needs to access quality education.
The UBEC has collaborated with private providers to design and implement programs catering to children with special needs. As of the 2022/2023 national personnel audit, there were 1,019 Special Basic schools, comprising 515 government schools with 124,867 enrolled learners and 405 private schools with 51,140 learners.
These efforts demonstrate the government’s dedication to ensuring equal access to education for all, regardless of physical or psychological challenges.
