Niger state announces N1bn endowment fund for special needs education

Umar Bago, the governor of Niger state, has announced a N1 billion endowment fund for the construction of facilities catering to children with special needs across all 25 LGAs.

Bago announced the endowment at the flag-off of the RISE project, a collaborative initiative between the state government and donor partners, aimed at integrating special needs children into mainstream education.

He acknowledged the significant financial commitment required for special needs education, emphasising the government’s dedication to ensuring the swift execution of the project through the Niger state Universal Basic Education Board (NSUBEB).

The governor also donated N50 million to the Farid Foundation and N25 million to each of the four pilot schools selected for the RISE project.

He also approved the formation of a dedicated board under the ministry of basic and secondary education to oversee special needs education and announced scholarships and mentorship programmes in special education at Abdulkadir Kure University, Minna.

The governor commended Aminat Jummai Gimba, the chief executive officer (CEO) and co-founder of the Farid Centre, for her advocacy for children with special needs and reiterated his administration’s focus on inclusive education.

Speaking at the event, Gimba described the RISE project as a transformative initiative designed to integrate special needs children into inclusive learning environments, starting with pilot programmes in Bosso and Chanchaga LGAs.

She emphasised the project’s aim to establish a sustainable framework for inclusive education, inspired by the governor’s vision to expand access to quality education.

Hadiza Mohammed, the commissioner for basic education, highlighted the importance of integrating special needs children into mainstream classrooms to foster social skills and empathy and break down societal misconceptions about disabilities.

Muhammad Baba, the executive chairman of NSUBEB, announced the ongoing implementation of an accelerated basic education curriculum designed to ensure education for all.

Representatives from the Etsu Nupe, Emir of Minna, and local government chairpersons praised the Farid Centre for its initiative in prioritising the educational needs of special needs children.