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Nigerian House of Representatives has urged the Federal Ministry of Education to commence full implementation of the National Policy on Education with regards to Special Needs Education and ensure that adequate resources are made available to provide a conducive learning environment in public schools for pupils and students with special needs.
The House also mandated the Committee on Disabilities to investigate the non-implementation of the National Policy on Special Needs Education to ensure speedy implementation and report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.
This resolution followed a motion moved by Rep Moshood Olarewaju Oshun, Representing Lagos Mainland Federal Constituency of Lagos State tilted ” Need to Implement Global Standards on National Policy on Education” during Thursday plenary at the National Assembly, Complex, Abuja.
Rep Moshood expressed worry that many individuals, including educators and parents, are unaware of special education laws and policies, leading to gaps in implementation and ineffective support for special needs students;
He harpped on the need to ensure that all persons with special needs develop at a pace commensurate with their abilities and to contribute to the socio-economic and technological development of the nation.
The body of the motion reads: ”
notes that Special Education, also known as Special-Needs Education, aided education, alternative provision and exceptional student education, is the practice of educating students to cater for individual differences, disabilities, and special needs”.
“Also notes that the National Policy on Education (NPE) requires adhering to global standards for improving education for children with special needs, promoting inclusive access and less restrictive learning environment”.
“Aware that Section 18(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) provides that “Government shall direct its policy towards ensuring that there are equal and adequate educational opportunities at all levels”.
“Concerned that the present practice of the NPE in public schools remains not consistent with existing global standards due to inadequacy of qualified staff, learning materials, software and equipment such as braille devices, audiometers, Auditory Steady State Response (ASSR), mobility devices, as well as specialised facilities for students with special needs, among others”.
“Worried that many individuals, including educators and parents, are unaware of special education laws and policies, leading to gaps in implementation and ineffective support for special needs students”.
Cognizant of the need to ensure that all persons with special needs develop at a pace commensurate with their abilities and to contribute to the socio-economic and technological development of the nation;
Resolves to:
“(i) urge the Federal Ministry of Education to commence full implementation of the National Policy on Education with regards to Special Needs Education and ensure that adequate resources are made available to provide a conducive learning environment in public schools for pupils and students with special needs”.nnd
“(ii) mandate the Committee on Disabilities to investigate the non-implementation of the National Policy on Special Needs Education to ensure speedy implementation and report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action”.
