Lagos State government has said it will continue to address the concerns of students with disabilities, as it is committed to fostering inclusivity and enhancing educational development for all children in the state.
The General Manager, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) and the acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Grace Abolarin, said this at the grand finale of the interactive quiz competition organised by LASODA.
The General Manager, represented by the Director of Admin and Human Resources of the agency, Mrs. Omolade Sonubi, said that besides fostering academic excellence, the initiative will also activate the talents, abilities, and potential of students with special needs.
She said the event, organised in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Basic Education, had its preliminary stages last year, which saw enthusiastic participation from the schools and their pupils.
She said, “This preliminary round was designed to assess the students’ knowledge across a variety of basic education subjects. Separate sections were created to test the participants’ skills and understanding in various academic areas, and after an intense and engaging competition, three schools emerged victorious in each section.
“Today, we are here to celebrate the efforts of all participants because this initiative is not just about fostering academic excellence. Through this platform, we aim to showcase their remarkable capabilities and encourage them to continue excelling in their educational endeavours.
“As we proceed with today’s interactive quiz, I would like to emphasise the significance of this initiative in promoting the educational integration of children with disabilities. It plays an essential role in breaking down stereotypes and demonstrating that every child, regardless of their abilities, has unique talents to offer. By creating inclusive educational opportunities such as this, we are nurturing a society that celebrates diversity, empathy, and inclusiveness.”
She, however, urged the members of the public to desist from discrimination and abuse of persons with disabilities, which, according to her, are inhumane and unjust.
“Every individual, regardless of their abilities, deserves respect, equal opportunities, and the chance to thrive. It is our collective responsibility to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for people with disabilities, allowing them to fully participate in society and live dignified lives. Remember, every child deserves access to quality education, care, and encouragement, and it is our duty to provide that to all, without exception,” she added.
She added that the competition will also encourage parents of children with disabilities to become more involved in their educational journeys while offering their support as their children continue to grow and achieve greatness.
Similarly, the acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Grace Abolarin, said that the Lagos State government, under the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration, has prioritised the needs of students for special education and will continue to upscale facilities to improve the learning environment for them.
The five schools that participated in the final of the quiz competition held at the Academic Event Hall Agidingbi, Ikeja, include: Methodist Junior School, Badagry; Ipakodo Junior School, Ikorodu; Ikeja Junior High School; Sango Junior School, Agege; and Odo Obara Junior School, Epe.
At the end of the keenly contested competition, Odo Obara Junior School, Epe, emerged as the overall winner of the competition, followed by Sango Junior School, Agege, and Ikeja Junior High School. Methodist Junior School, Badagry came 4th, followed by Ipakodo Junior School, Ikorodu in the last spot.
Participating schools lauded the initiative aimed at improving the academic base of inclusive high schools in the state. The schools also thanked LASODA and the state government for supporting every initiative that adds value to people with special needs in the state.
