As the date for returning to classrooms draws near, the Office of the Special Adviser for Special Education and Social Inclusion, led by Mrs. Adetoun Agboola, has orchestrated a day-long capacity-building workshop for teachers, instructors, and caregivers in special schools across Ekiti State. The goal is to enhance their ability to positively impact the lives of children with special needs and to inform them about the government’s plans to enhance the special education sector.
During the event, Mrs. Adetoun Agboola, the Special Adviser for Special Education and Social Inclusion, revealed that in the days leading up to the resumption, resource and therapy rooms in the state’s three special schools would open. The administration led by Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji has already procured the necessary teaching aids to support children with various special needs, including speech and sight therapy.
Mrs. Agboola emphasized that educating children with special abilities is now free in Ekiti State. She highlighted the commitment of Governor Oyebanji’s all-inclusive government to transform the special education sector. This transformation includes significant improvements in schools, benefiting both teachers and students, with the aim of establishing twenty-first-century special schools that can compete on a global scale.
She urged parents not to take advantage of the free education but rather reciprocate the government’s gesture by showing love to their children with special needs and ensuring their well-being.
Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, who inaugurated the event, commended Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for translating campaign promises into tangible action by investing nearly 100 million naira in upgrading the state’s three special schools.
Mrs. Peju Babafemi, the Commissioner for Women Affairs in the state, echoed the governor’s commitment to transforming the lives of people with special needs. She announced the relocation of the Office of Disabilities Affairs to the Woman and Youth Development Center, emphasizing that the training for teachers and caregivers would be an ongoing initiative.
The event brought together educators, instructors, and caregivers from all special schools in the state, featuring presentations, exercises, interactive sessions, and workshops. Topics covered included developing positive habits of mind, universal design learning, and the duty of care, among others.
Dignitaries present included Commissioner for Women Affairs Mrs. Peju Babafemi, Commissioner for Information Rt. Hon Taiwo Olatunbosun, Special Adviser on Tertiary Education Mayowa Akeem Azeez, Senior Special Assistant on Community Communications Mrs. Mary Oso Omotoso, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, and the Executive Secretary in the Office of Disabilities.
