Nigeria is facing a largely overlooked learning challenge, where thousands of children may be living with undiagnosed dyslexia. What is dyslexia, you may ask?
It is a neurological condition that affects reading, spelling, and language processing, despite normal intelligence.
A more recent study found that one in six Nigerian primary school pupils display significant signs of dyslexia. Yet many of these children do not have access to professional screening
or the support services that they need.
It doesn’t just end there because the consequences can be far-reaching, as affected children are wrongly labeled stubborn, lazy, or dull, which can impact their self-esteem
and expose them to frustration and underachievement in school. The problem is often compounded by low awareness among parents and teachers, with many of them unable to recognize warning signs early enough. Stakeholders
are therefore calling for increased awareness, early screening, and specialized support services in schools. As Nigeria works to improve learning outcomes, it is important to ensure that no child is left behind. And with the right intervention, affected children can thrive academically and reach their full potential.
So the next time you see a child who is struggling, take a minute and be patient, because that child could have dyslexia.
