Ladi Patrick-Okwoli
By Lina Ama
Special Needs News (SNN), a leading media platform advocating for persons with disabilities has called for the continuous training of teachers, parents, counselors and other stakeholders on inclusive education.
Founder and Editor-in-Chief of SNN, Mrs. Ladi Patrick-Okwoli made the call during a workshop organized in collaboration with Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Patrick-Okwoli emphasized the critical need for regular teacher training to cater to the unique needs of children with disabilities.
She noted that disability should not be viewed as a barrier to success, but as a challenge that can be overcome with the right support and resources.
“Disability does not equal inability. However, when schools fail to provide the necessary tools and aids, it can hinder these children’s potentials.
“Teachers must be equipped with the skills and knowledge to foster an environment where every child, regardless of ability, can thrive,” Patrick-Okwoli addes.
The workshop focused on raising awareness about inclusive education.
It provided training on how to support students with disabilities by equipping teachers, parents, social workers and other stakeholders with practical tools.
Topics covered include the use of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), behaviour management techniques and strategies for fostering engagement in mixed-ability classrooms.
Patrick-Okwoli expressed concern about the lack of a standardized approach to special education in many Nigerian schools.
“It is disheartening to see that most schools in Nigeria, including those in Abuja, do not have a concrete plan for students with special needs.
“Many rely on generic timetables, but that is not enough. Without a well-structured, modified curriculum, how can we ensure that children with disabilities have the same opportunities to succeed?”
The training session also featured a presentation by a Certified Autism Specialist and Behavioral Therapist, Isacc Bamidele, who underscored the importance of adhering to the core principles of special education.
He stressed the need for parent(s) involvement, community support, use of assistive technologies and accommodations tailored to each student’s unique learning requirements.
Bamidele noted that while Nigeria has laws like the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, there is still a long way to go in fully implementing inclusive education strategies across schools.
“A key component of inclusive education is the Individualized Education Plan (IEP), which is designed to meet each student’s specific learning needs. However, its implementation remains inconsistent across Nigerian schools,” he said.
Participants at the workshop praised the initiative.
Mrs. Nkechi Obianwu, a Primary School teacher from Wuse, described the training as transformational.
“Before now, I struggled with how to manage students with special needs in my classroom.
“This workshop has given me practical insights on how to create a more inclusive learning environment where no child is left behind,” she remarked.
Building on the success of this workshop, Special Needs News plans to extend similar training programmes to schools across the six area councils in the nation’s capital.
These efforts are expected to bridge the gap in special education and ensure that teachers, parents and communities are better equipped to support children with exceptional needs.
This initiative could have a far-reaching impact on Nigeria’s education system, as it aims to close the current gap in special education, thereby fostering a more inclusive society for all children.
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