Niger State Government Announces N1 Billion Endowment Fund for the Construction of Facilities for Children with Special Needs.
By Yahaya Zakka, Minna.
The Niger State government has announced a donation of N1 billion naira as an endowment fund for the construction of facilities for pupils with special needs across all 25 local government areas of the state.
Former Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago made this announcement during the launch of the RISE project, which focuses on four pilot schools in collaboration with the state government and other donor partners.
He acknowledged that educating children with special needs is costly and requires significant investment. He added that the Niger State Universal Basic Education Board (NSUBEB) will ensure the timely execution of the project.
Governor Umaru Bago also donated N50 million to the Farid Foundation and N25 million to each of the four pilot schools chosen for the RISE project.
He approved the formation of a board under the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education to oversee the care of children with special needs and to initiate scholarship and mentorship programs in special education at Abdulkadir Kure University, Minna.
While expressing gratitude to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Co-founder of the Farid Centre, Hajiya Aminat Jummai Gimba, for her efforts in advocating for children with special needs, the former governor assured that his administration would continue to prioritize inclusive education.
Hajiya Aminat Jummai Gimba stated that the RISE project is a bold and transformative initiative designed to integrate children with special needs into an inclusive learning environment in the Bosso and Chanchaga Local Government Areas.
She emphasized that the project aims to create a holistic and sustainable framework for inclusive education.
She noted that the project is inspired by Former Governor Umaru Bago’s vision to expand access to quality and inclusive education, ensuring that no child is left behind.
Dr. Hadiza Asabe Mohammed, the Commissioner for Basic Education, highlighted the importance of integrating children with special needs into inclusive learning environments alongside their peers.
She stated that this integration will promote social skills, empathy, and help break down barriers and misconceptions about people with disabilities.
Muhammad Ibrahim Baba, the Executive Chairman of the Niger State Universal Basic Education Board, disclosed that an accelerated basic education curriculum is currently being implemented to ensure basic education for all.
In their separate goodwill messages, representatives from the Estu Nupe and Emir of Minna, Engr. Abdullahi Ndagi Aliyu, the Wambai Nupe, Dauda Adamu Tallafin Minna, the Chairperson of Bosso Local Government Council, Hajiya Ladidi Bawa Bosso, and Hajiya Khadijat Abdullahi commended the Co-founder of the Farid Centre for her initiative to support children with special needs, particularly in the field of education.
