Lagos: Stakeholders in health, education, and disability advocacy have urged the Federal Government to mandate the deployment of special education teachers in both public and private schools to foster inclusion for children with special needs. This call was made during the 2026 Special Educational Needs and Therapy Empowerment (SENTE) Conference and Trade Fair held in Lagos.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the conference, themed ‘Preparing for Adulthood: Empowering Caregivers and Families’, highlighted the pressing need for government intervention to address the systemic challenges faced by special needs children. Mr. Yinka Ogunnubi, a financial expert and parent of a special needs child, emphasized during a panel session the discrimination and stigma that prevent many children from accessing education.
Ogunnubi, who also serves as President of the Association of Corporate Treasurers of Nigeria, pointed out that many cases of special needs are hidden due to societal stigma, leading to children being isolated or mistreated. He stressed the importance of government recognition of the large number of children with various neurodivergent conditions, advocating for funding to support inclusive education.
He proposed renaming the National Centre for Autism (Establishment) Bill, 2025, to the National Centre for Neurodisorders to encompass a broader range of spectrum disorders. This change, he argued, would create a more inclusive and supportive environment.
The conference also featured insights from Daisy Jonathan, Founder and Director of Pleasant Places SENtre (UK), who called for intentional inclusion within school systems. Jonathan critiqued current policies for lacking clear definitions, leading to inadequate support and inconsistent inclusion practices.
Solape Azazi, Founder of Cradle Lounge Special Initiative, highlighted the critical role of early identification and support for improving the quality of life for special needs children. She noted that misconceptions and spiritual interpretations of neurodivergence often prevent families from seeking necessary assistance.
Ms. Tobiloba Ajayi, Founder of Let Cerebral Palsy Kids Learn Foundation, encouraged parents to raise children with a positive outlook, emphasizing that a diagnosis should not limit their potential. Dr. Mudi Nwachukwu, Chair of the SENTE Organising Committee, called for increased funding and resources to provide essential therapies and support for families across various states.