Ibadan: Rofiah Oyekunle is a 13-year-old girl with aspirations of becoming a teacher. Despite her physical challenges, Rofiah remains committed to her dream, finding motivation as a student at Basic Special School, Adeoyo, Ring Road, Ibadan. Her story highlights the struggles and triumphs of special needs education in Oyo State.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Rofiah’s headmistress, Mrs. Ganiyat Alabi, praises her determination and intelligence, stating that her writing and speaking skills are admirable. Alabi emphasizes the need for more students like Rofiah and calls for the removal of learning barriers to improve educational inclusiveness for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the state.
One significant challenge is the long-distance travel required for students with disabilities to attend school, prompting a reduction in school days to two or three per week. Alabi notes that transportation costs and stigmatization are significant barriers for many families. The lack of specialized personnel and appropriate classroom settings further hinders inclusive learning.
While the state government has recruited additional special-needs teachers, Alabi stresses the need for more teaching staff, classroom space, and boarding facilities. The school currently offers a temporary boarding facility for only 20 out of its 67 students.
The Universal Basic Education (UBE) policy aims to make education accessible to all children, but only 15 out of 33 Local Government Areas in Oyo State have special needs schools. The absence of a gender-responsive Education Sector Plan (ESP) also poses a barrier to inclusive education.
Parents like Mrs. Anna Ogundipe are willing to overcome long distances to provide their children with appropriate education, while Mrs. Oladunni Adepoju, headmistress of Sabol International School for the Physically Challenged, calls for increased government support. She highlights societal attitudes as a barrier to education for many children with disabilities.
Mr. Femi Ajulo, Chairman of the Joint Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), acknowledges government efforts but notes that many children remain out of school due to shame and stigmatization. The state has established vocational centres and boarding facilities, but they cannot accommodate all PWDs.
Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Salihu Adelabu, outlines the government’s plans for inclusive education, seeking to map and reintegrate out-of-school children through various programs. The state’s ESP is seen as a crucial step toward ensuring support and inclusion for PWDs.