NSSEC moves to ensure inclusivity, gender based education in secondary schools

The National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC) said it has commenced the process of ensuring that inclusivity and Gender Based education is implemented at secondary school education level in Nigeria. The Executive Secretary, NSSEC, Dr Iyela Ajayi who disclosed this, said the issue of Gender Based Violence and inclusive education is important and the commission […]

The National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC) said it has commenced the process of ensuring that inclusivity and Gender Based education is implemented at secondary school education level in Nigeria.

The Executive Secretary, NSSEC, Dr Iyela Ajayi who disclosed this, said the issue of Gender Based Violence and inclusive education is important and the commission will challenge some of the harmful community norms and introduce best practices.

Iyala stated this on Thursday in Abuja during the opening of a workshop tagged, Promoting Inclusive, Safe, and Gender-Sensitive Learning Environments for All”, organised to boost the capacity of Special Education Desk Officers from the 36 States and FCT.

The workshop was converged for Education stakeholders to brainstorm on challenges to effective promotion of inclusive, safe and gender sensitive learning environments across secondary schools in the country.

Ajayi said the essence of the capacity workshop was to equip the desk officers with modern trends in implementing inclusive practices that would address Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

He noted that for there to be meaningful change, there was the need to empower the frontline officers who are the direct link to our schools and communities.

“Our goal is to transform our senior secondary schools into true sanctuaries of learning, where every child, irrespective of their abilities, gender, or background, feels valued and safe

“As Special Education Officers, you are the architects of inclusion in our educational system. You are the advocates, the monitors, and the support systems that ensure our policies translate into meaningful action.

“Your role is central to dismantling barriers, fostering a culture of acceptance, and ensuring that no learner is left behind,” he said.

Speaking, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad called for collaboration from school owners, development partners and state governments to promote inclusive and gender learning schools to promote national development.

Ahmed, represented by the Deputy Director, Science and Technology Department of the ministry, Mr Kehinde Osinaike, urged participants to make use of the opportunity provided to carry everyone along.

She explained that the workshop was a critical step in translating gender and inclusive education policies into tangible and everyday practices.

“The National Policy on Inclusive Education was developed to remove barriers to learning, ensure equity, and improve access to quality education for all especially learners with disabilities and those facing systemic disadvantages.

“Alongside this, the National Policy on Gender Education provides a framework for eliminating gender disparities and ensuring that both girls and boys have equal opportunities to access, participate in, and benefit from education.

“But as we all know, policies are only as effective as their implementation and we must go beyond rhetoric,” she said.

The Minister, however, pledged President Tinubu’s committed to advancing inclusive and equitable education in the country

In his remarks, the Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Ayuba Gufwan, said that statistics showed 35.5 million persons are living with disabilities, hence the need to address critical issues affecting them.

Gufwan said that in reality, everyone created is living with one form of disability or the other and as such must not ignore their challenges.

He pointed out some challenges faced by Persons with Disabilities, saying many of them have been bullied, harassed and even loss a job ASAP result of their condition, which has caused many to become suicidal.

He also noted that most schools and buildings in the country di not consider people with disabilities as they do not have ramps for easy access of PWDs.

He maintained that inclusive education is important to address some of these challenges.