Lagos Government Reinforces Commitment to Inclusive Education for Children with Disabilities
Lagos State government has stated it would continue to address the issues of kids with disabilities, as it is dedicated to encouraging inclusion and boosting educational development for all children in the state.
The General Manager, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) and the acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Grace Abolarin, stated this during the grand finale of the interactive quiz competition sponsored by LASODA.
The General Manager, represented by the Director of Admin and Human Resources of the agency, Mrs. Omolade Sonubi, stated that aside supporting academic achievement, the program would also unleash the skills, abilities, and potential of students with special needs.
She said the event, conducted in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Basic Education, had its early phases last year, which witnessed enthusiastic involvement from the schools and their kids.
She stated, “This preliminary round was designed to assess the students’ knowledge across a variety of basic education subjects. Separate portions were constructed to test the participants’ talents and comprehension in various academic areas, and after an intensive and fascinating competition, three schools emerged victors in each department.
“Today, we are here to celebrate the efforts of all participants because this initiative is not just about fostering academic excellence. Through this platform, we seek to exhibit their outstanding qualities and urge students to continue achieving in their educational efforts.
“As we proceed with today’s interactive quiz, I would like to emphasise the significance of this initiative in promoting the educational integration of children with disabilities. It serves a crucial part in breaking down preconceptions and illustrating that every kid, regardless of their skills, has unique qualities to give. By developing inclusive educational opportunities such as this, we are cultivating a culture that appreciates variety, empathy, and inclusiveness.”
She, however, asked the members of the public to stop from prejudice and maltreatment of those with disabilities, which, according to her, are cruel and unfair.
“Every individual, regardless of their abilities, deserves respect, equal opportunities, and the chance to thrive. It is our joint obligation to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with disabilities, enabling them to fully engage in society and live dignified lives. Remember, every kid deserves access to great education, care, and encouragement, and it is our obligation to deliver that to everyone, without exception,” she added.
She stated that the competition would also inspire parents of children with disabilities to get more active in their educational adventures while extending their support as their children continue to develop and achieve greatness.
Similarly, the acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Grace Abolarin, said that the Lagos State government, under the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration, has prioritised the needs of students for special education and will continue to upscale facilities to improve the learning environment for them.
The five schools who competed in the final of the quiz tournament held at the Academic Event Hall Agidingbi, Ikeja, include: Methodist Junior School, Badagry; Ipakodo Junior School, Ikorodu; Ikeja Junior High School; Sango Junior School, Agege; and Odo Obara Junior School, Epe.
At the conclusion of the closely fought tournament, Odo Obara Junior School, Epe, emerged as the overall winner of the championship, followed by Sango Junior School, Agege, and Ikeja Junior High School. Methodist Junior School, Badagry placed 4th, followed by Ipakodo Junior School, Ikorodu in the last slot.
Participating schools welcomed the effort aimed at boosting the academic basis of inclusive high schools in the state. The schools also commended LASODA and the state government for supporting any effort that provides value to persons with special needs in the state.
