Are Special needs children getting QUALITY education?

Education should be one of the simplest things in Nigeria, a system that equips every child to learn, grow, and thrive. Yet, we know the harsh reality; our schools struggle with poorly equipped teachers, poor quality, and a system. People are dropping out of school, instead of wanting to finish or further their education. But we rarely ask this question: “How do children with disabilities learn in Nigeria? When I was in secondary school, there was a girl with cerebral palsy. Many students thought she was lazy and irresponsible, but she wasn’t; she learned differently. My school then didn’t support children with special needs, so she was basically at the wrong place. Looking back now, I wish I had understood that sooner. Most importantly, I wish those teachers had understood and tried harder to teach her according to her needs. For too long, children with disabilities have been left out of the picture. Some never attend school. Others drop out early. And those who stay often find themselves in classrooms lacking the necessary support. It’s not because they can’t learn, it’s because the Nigerian education system isn’t built to help them succeed. I saw this firsthand with my autistic younger brother when he was younger. He wasn’t willing to learn, not because he didn’t want to, but because he didn’t know how. Everything changed when Mrs Nancy Omaballa, a teacher, stepped in. She took the time to understand him and taught him differently. With her help, he excelled. That’s what happens when children get the right kind of education: they thrive.Special needs education isn’t just about visually learning the ABCs and 123s. It’s about teaching special needs children to communicate, socialise, and build confidence in the classroom. It gives them the tools to express their strengths, whether they live with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, or sensory impairments. And it’s not just children who benefit. Parents do too. Imagine being told your child may never speak, then watching them excel in the right school with the right teachers. That was the testimony of my mother. Special education gave her hope, and it gave my brother a future. Education is also the foundation for the world we want to build. The Sustainable Development Goals call for quality education, zero discrimination, and decent work for all. None of these can be achieved if children with disabilities are left behind. Every child has something to give. Imagine how many Einsteins, artists, entrepreneurs, and leaders Nigeria has lost because children with special needs never really get a fair chance with PROPER education. When you empower children, you don’t just transform their lives; you open doors for families, communities, and the nation. It is a win-win for all! Don’t treat special education as an extra when it comes to education; It is a fundamental right and a game-changer for the future of education in Nigeria. And to those asking whether children with disabilities can learn, they can. The real question is, “Will Nigeria create a proper environment that allows special needs children to thrive? I believe that when we make education inclusive, we don’t just build better schools; we also build a more inclusive society. We create a better society!

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