Promoting Inclusive Education for Children with Disabilities in Nigeria
To reach real peace in the world, we will have to begin with the children.” – Mahatma Gandhi.
This quote is just one of many quotes that denotes how imperative it is for children to have access to education in order to have a promising and fortified future.
However, in Nigeria today, education is embroiled in loads of challenges and many children are being denied access to a good education due to the narratives surrounding its effectiveness. This is especially so for children with disabilities. Educational system in Nigeria is one of the less funded sectors and this has shattered the hope of good and affordable education for children in Nigeria.
If Nigerian children, especially the ones with disabilities, must ascend a promising future in the educational sector, inclusiveness as well as access must be prioritized.
Inclusive education upholds the famous theme “education for all” because it promotes equality in giving good and quality education to children. It bridges the gap that causes disparities in giving good education to the abilities and disabilities and makes them equal. This ideology has to be promoted to make the disabled contribute their quota to the growth of humanity and have a sense of belonging. Inclusive education is creating a school environment that is accepting and supportive of all children regardless of their disabilities or abilities.
If Inclusive education will work, Nigeria government must:
Create awareness and sensitization about disability issues: Inclusive education can be promoted in diverse ways. This is the best way to effectively bridge the disparities between children with disabilities and those with none. To do this right, one of the ways is to create awareness and sensitization about disability issues. In a stereotypical society where people are quick to backlash or talk down on people with disabilities, inclusive education can’t be promoted or utilized effectively.
Value of inclusive education must form the core of sensitization and awareness. This must be the central message and must be hammered consistently. Reorientation of teachers and every stakeholder must be given priority. Effective channels of disseminating information must reach the teachers, parents, school administrators, and students. The channels for disseminating information regarding the importance of inclusive education can be through seminars, training, flyers, radio, television newspapers, etc.
Special education curriculum: for the students, the government can introduce special education subjects into the curriculum for primary and secondary students so they are able to communicate with and appreciate children with special needs or with disabilities. A change of orientation that disabilities are not mostly contagious messages should be spread to ease the tension of ignorant parents. The belief system that promotes disabilities is contagious may work against inclusive education. Radio jingles, drama, television shows in different languages should be encouraged.
-The use of inclusive teaching methods: Teaching methods always differ based on the type of students but this can change by using inclusive teaching which accommodates all ranges of students. A focus on teaching strategies which are engaging, interactive and provide multiple ways for students to demonstrate their understanding will help a lot.
Another teaching method that can also help here is known as Differentiated Instruction (DI). Here, teachers will give different instructions to students in the class based on their strengths and meeting the individual needs of students. This will require teaching methods to be the same but assessment and evaluation can be varied based on the specific situation of the students. This is because the level of understanding may differ. For children with no disabilities, a fusion of simple and complex assessment may apply but for braille users, simple assessment should be introduced at first. This will help in promoting inclusive education in Africa.
Recruitment of qualified and well-equipped teachers: We must acknowledge education is crucial. Teachers do have a great role to play here.
If Nigerians are determined to promote inclusive, good and quality education, the right kind of teachers have to be recruited. Inclusive education can become an integral part of education if the teacher can at least communicate with every student through a form each can comprehend. At least even if this is at the basic level. This may require a level of overhauling the present educational courses at the higher institution levels. Those in the class already can do well with some training.