Education ministry, NCPWD push for inclusive education implementation

The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Working Committee on Inclusive Education (NWCIE) has renewed its call for the full implementation of Nigeria’s National Policy on Inclusive Education, with a focus on domesticating the policy across the 36 states of the federation. The […]

The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Working Committee on Inclusive Education (NWCIE) has renewed its call for the full implementation of Nigeria’s National Policy on Inclusive Education, with a focus on domesticating the policy across the 36 states of the federation.

The push came during a one-day workshop held yesterday, at the Ministry of Education headquarters in Abuja. 

The event, themed “Strengthening Inclusive Education for Equitable Learning in Nigeria,” aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 4, which seeks inclusive and equitable quality education for all.

 

Speaking at the workshop, Dr Adebukola Adebayo, Technical Assistant to the NCPWD, emphasized the importance of collaboration among key actors in the education sector.

 

“The workshop is a crucial platform for advocacy for inclusive education in Nigeria, and the committee and stakeholders have the opportunity to align perspective, identify challenges, and develop coordinated strategies for a more inclusive education system in Nigeria,” he said.

 

In her remarks, Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, described the workshop as a turning point in Nigeria’s effort to mainstream inclusive education.

 

“It reaffirms the ministry’s commitment to ensuring that every child in Nigeria—regardless of disability, gender, background or circumstances—is given an equal opportunity to learn, grow and thrive,” she said.

 

“Inclusive education goes beyond domesticating and implementation; it’s about our collective action towards achieving an inclusive society where everyone is given equal opportunity to thrive.”

 

Providing an overview of the revised policy, Mr Kehinde Ogunbiyitan, member of NWCIE, urged stakeholders to develop a strategic action plan to raise awareness and mobilize support across both public and private schools.

 

“We must ensure that all government agencies, stakeholders and partners commit to supporting efforts of the Federal Ministry of Education, NCPWD and NWCIE toward achieving inclusive education,” he said.

 

Development partners including PLANE, Sightsaver Nigeria, British Council, UNICEF, PLAN International, and TAF Africa were recognized for their contributions to the success of the workshop.

 

Stakeholders unanimously pledged continued collaboration with NCPWD and the education ministry to ensure that inclusive education is no longer aspirational, but actively implemented nationwide.