The Ekiti State Government has launched a two-day teacher training program aimed at strengthening inclusive education across the state. This initiative, organized in collaboration with the Adolescent Girls’ Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) and the Office of the Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, seeks to equip teachers with the skills necessary to effectively support students with disabilities in mainstream classrooms.
The training began on January 31 at the Government Special School for the Blind in Ikere-Ekiti and will conclude on February 1, 2025. A total of 130 educators, drawn from both special and mainstream schools—including Ekiti Parapo College in Ido Ekiti and Babatope Memorial High School in Ikoro Ekiti—are participating in specialized workshops designed to enhance their teaching strategies.
To foster seamless integration of students with disabilities into regular classrooms, 60 teachers from mainstream schools were selected for this training. Ekiti State operates a unique educational model where secondary students from special schools attend mainstream schools for their classes while residing in the hostels of their respective special schools. For instance, students from the Government Special School in Ikoro are enrolled at Ebenezer Babatope Memorial School, while those from the Government Special School in Ido study at Ekiti Parapo College.
This approach ensures that students with disabilities receive both specialized support and quality mainstream education, promoting an inclusive learning environment.
With the theme “Technology-Driven Lessons and Inclusive Teaching Strategies,” the workshop underscores the government’s commitment to using technology to enhance inclusive education. Educators are being trained on leveraging assistive technology to support students with disabilities and developing inclusive teaching strategies to ensure equitable learning experiences.
According to Princess Adetoun Agboola, Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Education and Social Inclusion, this initiative aligns with Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s vision for advancing inclusive education.
“Teachers need to continuously improve their teaching methods to meet the needs of all students. This capacity-building exercise is designed to ensure they provide high-quality education in inclusive settings,” Agboola stated.
A total of 40 teachers from each of Ekiti’s three special schools participated in the training, along with 10 randomly selected educators from mainstream schools, ensuring a broader impact. Beyond the training sessions, public awareness campaigns are also being conducted to combat stigma and discrimination against persons with disabilities, fostering a more inclusive society.
Mrs. Yewande Adesua, AGILE’s Project Coordinator, commended Governor Oyebanji’s commitment to improving the welfare of students with disabilities. She emphasized that ongoing investment in teacher training and educational infrastructure is critical to sustaining progress in special education.
This initiative is part of the state’s broader strategy to strengthen its inclusion policy and ensure that all students, regardless of ability, have access to quality education. By empowering educators with the necessary skills, Ekiti State is taking a significant step toward creating an inclusive and equitable learning environment for all secondary school students.
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