The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has called for increased investment in special education, saying it is essential to reducing poverty, dependency and the waste of human potential among persons with disabilities.

The monarch said education should be treated by government as a basic human right and the foundation for building a just and equal society, stressing the need for adequate funding to ensure equal access to learning for all pupils, including those with disabilities.

Owoade stated this when members of the Governing Council of the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo, led by its Chairperson, Ambassador Nihinlola Akanbi, paid him a courtesy visit at his Boroboro residence.

The Alaafin said special education provides people with disabilities with the specialised instruction and tools required to develop their skills, achieve greater independence and contribute meaningfully to society.

According to him, investment in special education could help prepare persons with disabilities for vocational and career opportunities, enabling them to become self-reliant members of the workforce and reducing their dependence on others.

He said, “Special education drives national development by transforming every citizen, regardless of physical, sensory or cognitive ability, into a valuable human resource who can actively contribute to the economy and society.”

The monarch added that education was an important social service that should be accessible to everyone, regardless of physical ability or age.

He said the purpose of education was to provide citizens with knowledge, skills and information that would enable them to contribute to the development of their communities.

Owoade also lauded the management of the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo, for its performance and cordial relationship with the palace, urging the governing council to rededicate itself to the progress and development of the institution.

He assured the council of his support for its efforts to advance the institution, saying he would not hesitate to assist in areas where his intervention was required.

“The only thing I will charge you for is performance. The College has all what is required of a University status, such as structures and human resources. What is now needed is the political backing and royal support,” he said.

The Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo, was established on October 5, 1977, as a Federal Advanced Teachers’ College (Special).

The Alaafin noted that special education could prevent the waste of human potential by providing individuals with disabilities with appropriate instruction and specialised tools to develop maximum independence and skills.

Earlier, the Chairperson of the Governing Council, Ambassador Akanbi, commended the Alaafin for his support and cooperation towards the development of human resources and the institution.

Akanbi described the monarch’s support as unprecedented, while the Provost of the college, Dr Ademola Rauf Salami, lauded his continued contributions to the progress of the institution and the country.