Alaafin advocates inclusive education, increased funding for persons with disabilities
By Adejayan Gbenga
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has called for stronger commitment to education and human capital development, particularly for persons living with disabilities.
The monarch made the call on Thursday when the Governing Council of the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo, led by its Chairperson, Ambassador Nimotallahi Nihinlola Akanbi, paid him a courtesy visit at his Boroboro residence.
According to a statement issued by the Alaafin’s Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, Oba Owoade described education as a basic human right and the foundation for building a just and equitable society. He, therefore, stressed the need for adequate funding to ensure equal learning opportunities for all pupils, including those with disabilities.
The Alaafin also highlighted the importance of special education in unlocking human potential, noting that it provides persons with special needs with specialised instruction and appropriate tools to develop independence and essential skills.
He explained that special education prepares students with disabilities for vocational and career opportunities, enabling them to become self-reliant members of the workforce and contribute meaningfully to the economy and society. According to him, inclusive education is essential to ensuring that every citizen can participate in national development, regardless of physical, sensory or cognitive ability.
“Special education drives national development by transforming every citizen, regardless of physical, sensory or cognitive ability, into a valuable human resource who can actively contribute to the economy and society,” the monarch said. He added that education remained an important social service for everyone in the community, irrespective of their physical condition or age.
While expressing satisfaction with the performance of the college’s management, Oba Owoade described the institution as friendly to the palace and urged the Governing Council and management to renew their commitment to its progress and development. He assured the council of his support for initiatives aimed at advancing the institution, stating, “The only thing I will charge you for is performance. The college has all what is required of a university status, such as structures and human resources. What is now needed is the political backing and royal support.”
The Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo, was established on October 5, 1977, as a Federal Advanced Teachers’ College (Special). The institution focuses on special education and provides specialised facilities for training teachers who work with students with special needs. Earlier, Akanbi commended the Alaafin for his support and cooperation in human resource development and the growth of the college, describing his backing as unprecedented. The Provost, Dr Ademola Rauf Salami, also acknowledged the monarch’s sustained contributions to the institution’s progress and national development.
