…Reiterates President Tinubu’s commitment to inclusive and equitable educational system for all Nigerians
By Lanre Oloyede
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon Mohammed Abba Isa, has reiterated the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to fostering an inclusive and equitable educational system for all Nigerians, particularly for individuals with special needs.
Hon. Abba Isa stated this while presenting a position paper at a public hearing on a bill for an act to amend the Federal Colleges of Education Act to establish the Federal Colleges of Education (Special), Dukku, Gombe State, and other related matters.
According to the proponent of the bill, Hon. Abdullahi El-Rasheed, representing Dukku/Nafada federal constituency, Gombe State, the Federal College of Education (Special) Dukku when established will offer courses in various field of education for teachers with special needs and students with disabilities.
“It will also nurture a set of teachers with requisite knowledge and skills to teach disable children and youth among our societies as well as ensuring equality and inclusivity to accessing qualitative education.
“The school will be the first of its kind in the Northem region and will not only serve the people of Dukku or Gombe State but the entire nation at large,” Hon.El-Rasheed posited.
Presenting his position paper, the senior presidential aide stated that this bill is a critical step towards addressing the pressing challenges faced by Persons With Disabilities and Special Needs in accessing quality education in the country.
The SSAP maintained that the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is ever ready to support any initiative and program that provides equal access to quality education to all Nigerians regardless of their abilities.
The presidential aide submitted that the establishment of the Federal College of Education (Special) in Dukku, Gombe State, is a visionary endeavor aimed at addressing the unique educational needs of students with disabilities, stressing that this institution will be the first of its kind in the Northern region, offering specialized courses that prepare teachers to effectively educate and support students with disabilities.
While urging Honorable Members of the National Assembly, to support this bill and join in creating a brighter, more inclusive future for all Nigerians, the SSAP submitted that the establishment of the Federal College of Education (Special), Dukku, Gombe State, is a groundbreaking initiative that aligns with the national commitment to inclusive and equitable education.
The presidential aide canvassed that this institution will nurture skilled educators, promote educational equity, and foster inclusive learning environments, adding that it will play a pivotal role in ensuring that every child, regardless of their abilities, has the opportunity to achieve their full potential.
Some of the positions advanced by the presidential aide at the public hearing included:
**Objectives and Benefits**
1. **Nurturing Specialized Educators**:
The core mission of the Federal College of Education (Special), Dukku, is to develop a highly skilled and knowledgeable cadre of teachers proficient in special education. These educators will be equipped to understand and address the diverse needs of students with disabilities, ensuring that they receive the same quality of education as their peers.
2. **Promoting Educational Equity**:
Education is a fundamental right, yet students with disabilities often face significant barriers to accessing quality education. The establishment of this college is a decisive step towards promoting educational equity. By providing specialized training for teachers, we can ensure that students with disabilities receive the support they need to thrive academically and personally.
3. **Fostering Inclusive Learning Environments**:
The college will champion inclusive teaching practices and create learning environments that accommodate the needs of all students. This approach will not only benefit students with disabilities but also promote a culture of inclusivity and acceptance within our educational system and society at large.
### Regional and National Significance
The impact of the Federal College of Education (Special), Dukku, extends beyond the immediate community. As the first institution of its kind in the Northern region, it will serve as a model and hub for other regions and contribute to the national effort to improve special education. The college will attract students and educators from across Nigeria, fostering a diverse and inclusive educational community.
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