From Felix Ikem, Nsukka
Academics, parents, stakeholders, and counsellors have called for inclusive education for children with special needs in order to give them a sense of belonging and enable them to achieve their full potential.
The stakeholders made the call in Nsukka yesterday during a workshop on “Neurodiversity Awareness and Strategic Campaign workshop,” organized by Neurodiversity Research Group (NRG), University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), in collaboration with the institution’s Faculty of Education.
The event, which was held at the Roar Hub, UNN, had teachers, parents, educators, school psychologists, counsellors, special educators, government officials people with special needs, among others as participants.
In a remark, Dr Charity Onyishi, Department of Educational Foundations, Faculty of Education, UNN and the convener of the neurodiversity awareness campaign said that the idea was to bring experts and stakeholders together to discuss issues around the inclusion of children with autism and other developmental disorders.
“Our inclusive education falls short of what is obtainable globally given that the Nigerian government is giving more attention to those with physical impairments than people with developmental disorders.
“For Nigeria to achieve inclusive education all hands must be on deck and everybody must be treated fairly,” she said.
Onyishi expressed appreciation to the experts and participants, especially the keynote presenter, Prof. Maximus Sefotho, as well as those who participated in one way or the other to make the awareness campaign a success.
In a keynote presentation, Prof. Maximus Sefotho, Director, Centre for Neurodiversity, University of Johannesburg, South Africa emphasized the importance of neurodiversity, inclusion, and equity in managing children with special needs.
He described neurodiversity as ways individual brains process information differently, stressing that the culture of Nigeria must be more receptive and acceptive of neurodiversity.
“For education to be inclusive it must remove every form of stigma against people with neurodiversity,” he said.
While declaring the event open, Prof Oguejiofo Ujam, Acting Vice-Chancellor, UNN commended the convener for the awareness campaign and urged participants to take the discourse seriously, adding that there is ability in disability.
The VC who was represented by Prof Romanus Ezeokonkwo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, stated that people with special needs require individualised attention and accommodations for them to feel included and motivated.
“Let us work together to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with autism. By promoting awareness, acceptance, and understanding, we can empower individuals with autism to reach their full potential,” the VC stated.
Early in a remark, Prof. Godfrey Nji, Dean, Faculty of Education, UNN said that the essence of the programme is to discuss, create awareness and take action on neurodiversity.
“Our common purpose here today is to increase awareness, foster strategic conversations, and ignite action around neurodiversity.
“The concept of neurodiversity, the idea that neurological differences such as autism, Attention-Deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, and others are natural variations of the human brain is reshaping how we think about learning, support and inclusion.
“As educators, researchers, and policy influencers, we must not only be aware of these differences but actively create an environment where they are acknowledged, respected, and nurtured,” he said.
The Dean while commending the Dr Onyishi and her team for spearheading the initiative, assured the commitment of the faculty to preparing professionals who can respond to the diverse cognitive and emotional needs of learners with empathy, skill, and innovation.