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By Adebowale Johnson
Across Nigeria, children living with physical, developmental and intellectual disabilities often face challenges that extend far beyond their medical conditions. Limited access to healthcare, inadequate funding, shortages of trained caregivers and persistent social stigma continue to place pressure on institutions responsible for their welfare.
These realities came into focus during a Father’s Day visit to the Modupe Cole Memorial Child Care and Treatment Home/School in Lagos, where attention was drawn to the broader needs of children requiring specialized care and the institutions that serve them.
The visit, organised by Julicare Foundation, a Canada-based charitable organisation, included the donation of food items and other supplies to support the children and staff of the facility. Beyond the donations, the occasion highlighted ongoing concerns about the sustainability of care for vulnerable children and the need for wider community participation.
Speaking during the visit, the foundation’s founder, Prince Julius Ojo, stressed that caring for children with special needs should not be left solely to government institutions or a handful of charities. He noted that many specialised schools and care homes continue to grapple with financial constraints, healthcare challenges and insufficient resources needed to meet growing demands.
According to him, meaningful support can come from individuals, corporate organisations and international partners through donations, volunteer services and long-term partnerships that strengthen existing care structures.
The issue reflects a wider challenge facing special-needs education and care in Nigeria. While government-owned and privately run facilities provide essential services for children with disabilities, many operate under significant resource limitations. Healthcare support, rehabilitation services, specialised learning materials and trained personnel often remain insufficient relative to demand.
As part of its intervention, Julicare Foundation announced plans to support healthcare delivery at the school by assuming responsibility for the salary of a nurse providing medical services to the children. The initiative underscores the critical role healthcare professionals play in supporting children with complex needs.
For educators and caregivers working in the sector, public awareness remains as important as financial support. Head Teacher of the institution, Mrs. A. I. Oyeniran, noted that children with special needs require acceptance, understanding and equal opportunities to reach their full potential.
She also emphasized the importance of family support, urging parents and guardians to focus on the wellbeing of affected children rather than assigning blame for conditions that often arise from factors beyond anyone’s control.
Over the years, advocacy groups have consistently argued that improving outcomes for children with disabilities requires a combination of stronger public policies, better healthcare services, inclusive education and sustained social support. Experts note that while charitable interventions provide immediate relief, long-term progress depends on building systems that guarantee access to care and opportunities for every child regardless of physical or developmental challenges.
The Modupe Cole Memorial Child Care and Treatment Home/School remains one of several institutions providing specialised services for children with disabilities in Lagos. Its work reflects the broader efforts of caregivers, educators and support organisations striving to improve the lives of vulnerable children despite limited resources.
Founded in Canada, Julicare Foundation has undertaken humanitarian projects in several countries, including Nigeria, focusing on support for disadvantaged communities through feeding programmes, shelter initiatives and social welfare interventions.
As Nigeria continues conversations around inclusion, disability rights and social welfare, advocates maintain that the welfare of children with special needs should remain a collective responsibility. For many of these children, access to quality care, education and healthcare is not simply a matter of charity but a question of equal opportunity and human dignity.
