Cross River State has commenced the process of domesticating Nigeria’s National Policy on Inclusive Education as part of efforts to ensure that all children, including those with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, have access to quality education.

The move was the focus of a three-day stakeholders’ workshop on the domestication of inclusive education held in Calabar, with support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the Federal Ministry of Education and other development partners.

Speaking at the opening of the workshop, UNICEF Education Specialist, Believe Eke, described the initiative as timely and critical, stressing that inclusive education requires transforming the education system to accommodate the needs of all learners rather than forcing students to fit into existing structures.

Eke noted that although Nigeria has demonstrated leadership through its National Policy on Inclusive Education, implementation challenges persist, with many children still excluded from school due to inadequate infrastructure, insufficient teacher capacity, inaccessible learning materials and societal stigma against persons with disabilities.

He said inclusive education is both a human rights obligation and a development priority, arguing that inclusive classrooms improve learning outcomes, strengthen social cohesion and contribute to building more equitable and resilient societies.

Eke further, disclosed that UNICEF was supporting the state to adapt the national policy to its peculiar circumstances and develop a clear implementation framework, noting that although the policy was revised in 2023, many states were yet to fully domesticate it.

He expressed confidence in the state’s commitment to the process and pledged continued technical assistance, teacher capacity development, community engagement and support for data systems to ensure that no child is left behind.

Representing the Director of Basic Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Folake Olatunji-David, Edith Uchenna described the domestication of the policy as a critical step toward translating national education goals into practical actions that address the needs of learners at the state level.

Uchenna commended Cross River State for taking proactive steps to adapt the National Policy on Inclusive Education, noting that effective implementation would require sustained collaboration among government agencies, development partners, civil society organisations and local communities to remove barriers to learning.

Also speaking, Executive Chairman of the Cross River State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Fidelia Okpo Ene, described inclusive education as a fundamental human right and a reflection of society’s commitment to equity, justice and equal opportunity.

She said the domestication of the policy would require deliberate planning, supportive legislation, teacher training, provision of appropriate learning materials, improved infrastructure and active participation of parents and communities.

Ene urged participants to take advantage of the workshop to exchange ideas and develop practical strategies that would guide the successful implementation of inclusive education across schools and communities in the state.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Education, Senator Stephen Odey, reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Bassey Otu’s administration to improving access to quality education.

He assured stakeholders that the ministry would continue to support initiatives aimed at reducing the number of out-of-school children and promoting inclusive education through collaboration, coordination and accountability.