Niger State Government has set aside one billion naira for the construction of Schools of Children with Special needs one each across the Twenty Five Local Government Areas of the State.
Governor Mohammed Umaru made this known at the Official flag off of the Rise project, a foundation for children with the special needs in Minna.
The project will cover four pilot schools for the affected children.
Children with Special needs in the country are faced with many challenges which include discrimination and non access to education.
It against this backdrop that Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago throws his weight behind the initiative to change the narrative.
In addition to the one billion naira, the Governor directed the State owned Institution, Abdulkadir Kure University Minna to commence Scholarship and Mentorship in special Education.
He equally approved the formation of a Board under the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education for immediate take off on issues affecting the children with special needs.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago expressed optimism that with schools of children with special needs in every LGA,the issues of distance and non access to education would be checked.
The State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr Hadiza Asabe Mohammed advocated a comprehensive approach to issues affecting children, especially those with special needs.
Dr Asabe Mohammed opined that modification of curriculum and integration of the education of persons with special needs are necessary in giving them a sense of belonging.
The convener and Chief Executive Officer of the NGO, Farida center, Hajiya Amina Jummai Gimba said the Foundation was aimed at including the educational requirements of Children with Special needs into learning environment.
In their goodwill messages, the Chairman of the State Council of Traditional Rulers Alhaji Yahaya and the State Chairman of Universal Education Board Mallam Mohammed Ibrahim Baba stressed the need for suitable policies for children with disabilities.