FG to ensure inclusive education in secondary schools nationwide

Table of Contents

Let’s get real for a second — everyone deserves a fair shot at education. But in Nigeria, not every child gets that chance. From students with disabilities to those held back by poverty, gender, or language barriers, inclusion in secondary schools has been a long-standing challenge. That’s why the Federal Government’s latest commitment to ensuring inclusive education in every secondary school across the country is a much-needed game changer.

Overview of the FG’s Inclusive Education Drive

In 2025, the Federal Ministry of Education (FME), working in partnership with UBEC, NERDC, and the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, launched a bold new initiative. The goal? To ensure that no student is left behind — regardless of their physical abilities, gender, economic status, or cultural background.

The State of Inclusivity in Nigerian Secondary Schools

Let’s be honest — most schools aren’t built with every student in mind. Here’s what we’re up against:

Limited wheelchair access and no sign language interpreters
Curriculum delivery that doesn’t cater to different learning needs
Cultural norms that favor boys over girls, especially in rural areas

Core Objectives of the New FG Inclusive Education Policy

The policy is built on three major pillars:

What Inclusive Education Looks Like

Imagine a classroom where:

A visually impaired student uses a Braille tablet
Girls are encouraged to pursue science just like boys
Students from different groups learn together in harmony

That’s the vision.

Infrastructure Upgrades for Accessibility

Here’s how schools are being redesigned:

Wheelchair ramps at all entry points
Braille boards and large print signs
Accessible restrooms and handrails
Classroom acoustics adjusted for hearing-impaired learners

Training Educators for Inclusive Classrooms

Teachers can’t teach what they don’t know. That’s why the government is rolling out:

Special Education Training modules
Workshops on adaptive teaching methods
Certifications in inclusive classroom management

Digital Tools for Learning Support

It’s 2025 — we’ve got the tech. Now we’re using it for good:

Screen readers and voice-activated software for blind students
Captioned video lessons for the hearing-impaired
Multi-language audio textbooks for minority communities

Curriculum Reform for Inclusivity

New subjects and inclusive teaching techniques include:

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Functional academics for learners with cognitive disabilities
Flexible grading systems that measure progress, not just scores

Partnerships with NGOs and Development Bodies

Groups like UNICEF Nigeria and Sightsavers are all in. Their contributions include:

School kits for functional needs learners
Funding for inclusive classroom construction
Policy drafting and teacher mentorship

Pilot States and Program Testing Grounds

Rollouts have started in Lagos, Kano, Akwa Ibom, and Enugu with:

40 upgraded schools
Over 5,000 inclusive teachers trained
Community engagement programs launched

Community Involvement in Inclusive Education

Education starts at home, and inclusion works best when communities are involved. That’s why parents are:

Attending sensitization workshops
Helping track student attendance
Supporting PTA-inclusive policy frameworks

Addressing Societal Barriers

The program takes a stand against exclusion by:

Running anti-stigma campaigns
Involving faith leaders to promote inclusivity
Collaborating with traditional rulers to encourage local buy-in

Monitoring and Evaluation Framework

To keep things transparent, the FG has introduced:

Real-time dashboards for school inclusivity data
Monthly progress reviews
Annual Inclusive Education Index per state

Voices from the Ground

Ms. Zainab, Special Ed Teacher in Kaduna: “Now I feel equipped to reach every child.”
Adamu, a deaf student in SS1: “With captioned video lessons, I don’t feel left out anymore.”
Mrs. Oluchi, a parent: “For once, my child with autism is being seen and heard.”

Challenges and Risk Factors

Sure, it’s not going to be a smooth ride. Here are some bumps on the road:

Shortage of functional needs professionals
Vandalism of school equipment
Cultural resistance in ultra-conservative areas

Conclusion

Let’s face it — education can’t be called ‘basic’ if it isn’t inclusive. The Federal Government’s new commitment is more than policy; it’s a statement of hope. If every student, regardless of ability or background, gets the support they need to thrive, Nigeria’s future will be built on a solid, inclusive foundation.

FAQs

1. What is inclusive education?
Inclusive education ensures that all students, regardless of ability or background, learn together in the same environment with appropriate support.

2. Will every school have functional needs resources?
Yes. The policy mandates every government secondary school to integrate inclusive facilities by 2027.

3. Who is responsible for implementing the policy?
The FME, in collaboration with UBEC, state ministries of education, and certified NGOs.

4. Can private schools participate in the program?
Yes, especially low-cost schools that meet the inclusion criteria and training requirements.

5. Where can I get more info?
Visit education.gov.ng or the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities for updates and resources.

Was this article helpful?

Yes0No0