Stakeholders call for inclusive education in Sokoto

Stakeholders at a dialogue on Inclusive Education Budget Expenditure in Sokoto State urged the government, partners, and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to actively combat the denial of quality education to physically challenged children.

The two-day meeting was organised on Tuesday by the “Education for All Cluster,” an initiative supported by USAID and the Palladium consortium under the “USAID-Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement (SCALE) Project” in Sokoto State.

In an interview with newsmen, Prof. Mustapha Namaka, the Executive Secretary of the Sokoto State Female Education Board, emphasized the untapped potential of children living with disabilities, “a fact often overlooked by their families.”

“The issue of parents denying their children with disabilities access to education is not rooted in culture but in a misguided perception aimed at shielding them from discrimination.

“There is a pressing need for greater commitment and awareness to help people understand that physical challenges do not equate to mental challenges,” he stated.

He urged parents to ensure their children attend school, regardless of their physical limitations, so they can contribute economically and socially to the nation’s development.

Namaka further highlighted that the implementation of the “Education for All Cluster” in Sokoto State would significantly enhance educational opportunities for people with disabilities, as well as improve the overall standard of education.

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He also called on the government to enforce a policy of division of labor in project execution across ministries, noting, “This approach would help address the issue of agencies receiving zero votes in budget implementation.”

Hajiya Aisha Zaidu, Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics at the State Agency for Mass Education, assured that the state government has established an effective budget line for inclusive education.

“This budget line is designed to ensure all necessary resources for inclusive education are captured, with a commitment to smooth implementation to meet such demands,” Zaidu assured.

Alhaji Bello Altine, Deputy Director of Planning at the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, reaffirmed the state government’s dedication to the successful implementation of the project.

Altine emphasized that the “Education for All Cluster” project is identified as a crucial program for the overall development of the state.