In a bold move to ensure no child is left behind in the state’s education system, the Ekiti State Government has commenced a three-day intensive training for principals and head teachers of public schools on transformative inclusive strategies.
The training, themed “Transformative Inclusive Strategies in Ekiti State Public Schools”, was organised by the Office of Special Education and Social Inclusion in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and began on Monday, September 1, 2025, at Lady Jibowu Hall of the Governor’s Office, Ado Ekiti.
One of the resource persons, Dr. Esther Oyefeso, emphasized that every learner is unique, with strengths and abilities that can be harnessed to fit well into the mainstream system.
She introduced participants to practical methods of achieving inclusive learning, stressing the importance of collective efforts and positive attitudes from school leaders, teachers and communities.
Also speaking on the topic, “Inclusive Strategies and Plans for Ekiti State”, the Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Princess Adetoun Agboola, described inclusion as a mindset and about belonging to a community without restraint.
Princess Agboola also drew points from global frameworks such as the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006), the UNESCO Salamanca Statement (1994) and the UN Sustainable Development Goal 4, alongside Nigeria’s National Policy on Education and the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2019 as well as the current interventions provided by the Federal Ministry of Education.
She also outlined key steps for schools, including creating Special Educational Needs (SEN) registers, appointing SEN coordinators, developing individualized education programmes (IEPs), ensuring accessibility to all public buildings and continuous teacher training.
Princess Agboola equally commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration for its proactive stance on inclusivity, including establishing therapy centres for children with disabilities, adding that the government is determined to ensure that no child stays out of school.
Declaring the programme open, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to building an education system that leaves no child behind.
She charged principals and head teachers to serve as agents of change towards ensuring that the government’s inclusivity drive translates from policy to practice in every classroom.
Professor Adubiaro noted that Inclusive education is not just about placing children with disabilities in mainstream schools; it is equally about transforming leadership, teaching and school culture to celebrate diversity and foster empathy, encouraging participants to make the most of the training.
On his part, the chairman of the Ekiti Internal Revenue Service (EKIRS), Mr. Olaniran Olatona, echoed the call for support, saying people with disabilities could excel in all spheres if given the right environment.
He pointed out that the three-day workshop is expected to equip the participants with the skills and perspective to create classrooms where every child, regardless of ability, can thrive and contribute to the future of Ekiti State.
The Head of Service, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, also lauded the administration’s efforts, urging parents and teachers to nurture the dreams of children with special needs alongside their peers.
She advocated total inclusivity in education whereby the children with special needs would be allowed to be in the same schools with their able-bodied counterparts, adding that this is the only way true inclusivity can be said to have been achieved.
Present at the programme are the PS Education, Mr Michael Omolayo who represents the Commissioner for Education, Dr (Mrs) Adebimpe Aderiye, Mr. Michael Boluwade, PS TESCOM and Mr. Femi Dada the Acting PS SUBEB.