A non-governmental organisation, Regalo Hope Foundation (RHF) has emphasised the need for stronger inclusive and collaborative approaches to empower learners across schools, institutions, and communities.

Speaking at this year’s EduStake Conference themed: ‘Inclusive and empowered education,’ Executive Director of Seams Deaf-Pro Foundation, Samuel James, noted that education is about access, belief, and fairness, and not just classrooms or certificates.

He emphasised that collaboration among teachers, parents, government, and communities is key to creating an enabling environment for every child to thrive, regardless of challenges.

James, in his keynote address, stressed that education must be human-centred and responsive, embracing visual thinkers, creative minds, and differently-abled learners to transform untapped potential into recognised brilliance.

“Teachers are nation-builders, students are possibilities, and collaboration is the strongest curriculum shaping the next generation. Our systems must recognise and nurture all forms of potential. Inclusion is not adapting people to spaces; it is redesigning spaces so everyone belongs from the start,” James added.

In her address, RHF Founder and Project Director, Dr. Chinenye Onuorah, noted that inclusive participation strengthens education systems and improves outcomes for learners across diverse communities.

She pointed out inclusive education is not a destination, but a continuous commitment requiring sustained courage, collaboration, and consistency.

Onuorah stated that when educators are supported and empowered, the ripple effect is felt across entire school systems and surrounding communities.

In her contribution during the panel session, the General Manager of Lagos State Office of Disability Affairs (LASODA), Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, identified attitude barriers as a challenge affecting inclusive education, and stressed the need for intentionality, budget planning, and sign language interpreters to improve the quality of life for persons living with disabilities.

To achieve inclusive and empowered education, the LASODA boss harped on collaboration among the various stakeholders.

On her part, Christy Nosa-Ihaza,who is the Proprietor of Super Minds Nursery and Primary School, urged parents to invest in their wards, particularly those with challenges, saying every child has potential.

She noted that nurturing their abilities ensures that they grow into empowered and capable individuals in future.

The conference also featured the 2026 RHF Legends Award, which was presented to Alice Aniemeke for 25 years of meritorious service in the classroom, with a cash reward of N500,000.

While Olamide Ayinla won the RHF Award for Innovation with a cash prize of N300,000, Oseh Creda emerged the first runner-up, winning the Heroes Award for Leadership, with a cash prize of N200,000,while Shibu Ogwu, as second runner-up won the Heroes Award for Leadership and was rewarded with N100,000.

Schools were also tested on current affairs and spelling Bee, and winners were rewarded with cash gifts.