FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PUSHES INCLUSIVE EDUCATION REFORMS TO TRANSFORM SECONDARY SCHOOLS

The Federal Government has launched a collaborative campaign with stakeholders in the education sector to foster inclusive, safe, and gender‑sensitive learning environments across Nigeria. This initiative was unveiled at a capacity‑building workshop in Abuja, organized by the National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC). The workshop, themed “Promoting Inclusive, Safe, and Gender‑Sensitive Learning Environments for All,” aims to address systemic barriers within Nigeria’s school system.
Speaking at the workshop, the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Ahmad, emphasized that policies such as the National Policy on Inclusive Education and the National Policy on Gender Education must move beyond paper to implementation. “These policies seek to eliminate barriers, ensure quality education, and create equitable opportunities for every learner, regardless of gender or ability,” she stated.
NSSEC Executive Secretary, Dr. Iyela Ajayi, called upon Special Education Officers across Nigeria to champion these policies and transform senior secondary schools into safe spaces that respect and support every student. “You are the vital link between policy and practice,” he stated. “Through your vigilance and advocacy, we can create inclusive spaces where no learner is left behind.”
Ayuba Gufwan, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, also underscored the urgency of addressing accessibility gaps in Nigeria’s schools, pointing out that approximately 35.5 million Nigerians live with some form of disability. “Everyone is living with one form of disability or another. The least we can do is ensure no child is excluded from education due to structural or social limitations,” Gufwan said.
The workshop marked a pivotal step in translating Nigeria’s national education policies into actionable changes within its senior secondary institutions, focusing on inclusivity, equity, and accessibility for all.