The Lagos State government has said it will continue to address the concerns of students with disabilities, as it is committed to promoting 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, who was 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.
In her words, 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.”
