National Policy on Special Needs Education in Nigeria

A Policy sets guidelines for educating persons with special needs, including inclusive and specialized education. It targets children and adults with disabilities, teachers, parents, and education authorities. This ensures access to quality education for all.

What Is This Policy?

A policy that sets out guidelines for providing quality education to persons with disabilities and special learning needs, covering inclusive education, specialized schools, and support services.

Who Does It Target?

Children and adults with physical, sensory, intellectual, and learning disabilities Teachers and school administrators in mainstream and special schools Parents and caregivers of persons with special needs State and local education authorities

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Ensure that every Nigerian with special needs has access to appropriate, quality education in the least restrictive environment, with adequate support services and trained personnel.

Key Features

Inclusive Education: Promotion of integration of children with special needs into mainstream schools where appropriate Specialized Institutions: Continued support for schools catering to specific disabilities such as visual, hearing, and intellectual impairments Teacher Preparation: Training programmes for both special education teachers and mainstream teachers on inclusive practices Assistive Technology: Provision of learning aids, Braille materials, sign language interpreters, and adapted learning tools Early Identification: Screening programmes for early detection of disabilities and learning difficulties

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Active with uneven implementation across states Coverage: Federal and state special education programmes Lead Agency: Federal Ministry of Education, Special Education Division Partners: UNESCO, UNICEF, disability advocacy organizations

How to Access

Parents and caregivers can access special education services through designated schools and local education authorities. Contact the Special Education Unit of the state ministry of education Visit designated special education centres for assessment and placement Engage with local government education authorities for inclusive school options

Official Resources

Website: education.gov.ng Contact: Special Education Division, Federal Ministry of Education, Abuja

Legal Framework

Operates under the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018, the Universal Basic Education Act 2004, the Child Rights Act 2003, the National Policy on Education, and the Education (National Minimum Standards) Act. Draws on the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), UNESCO Salamanca Statement, and UNICEF inclusive education guidelines.