EKSG Special Education & Social Inclusion

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Welcome to the Office of the Special Adviser, Special Education and Social Inclusion, page! Hello,

We are thrilled to welcome you to our official page dedicated to the Office of the Special Adviser, Special Education and Social Inclusion, Government of Ekiti State, Nigeria! 🎉 Here, we celebrate diversity, promote inclusivity, and advocate for every individual's right to quality

education. At our office, we are passionate about creating an inclusive environment where every person, regardless of abilities, can thrive and reach their full potential. Through this page, we aim to share inspiring stories, valuable resources, and important updates related to special education and social inclusion. We encourage you to explore our posts, engage with our community, and share your thoughts and experiences. Thank you for joining us on this journey. Your support is invaluable as we work towards a more inclusive world. Feel free to reach out, ask questions, and participate in our discussions. Let's learn from each other and create a brighter future, together.

06/08/2026

Revolution for Intentional Support for PWDs has Begun in Ekiti, Says Gov Oyebanji at NAEC Conference

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, declaring that the revolution for intentional support for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) has begun in Ekiti State with the backing of the Presidency.

Governor Oyebanji stated this on Wednesday, while delivering an address at the 36th Annual National Conference of the National Association for Exceptional Children (NAEC), held at the Distance Learning Institute, University of Lagos.

Governor Oyebanji who was Chairman at the occasion, was conferred with the Award of “ Friendly Governor of Persons With Disabilities” in recognition of his landmark policies and programmes for PWDs in Ekiti State.

Speaking to an audience of educators, therapists, parents, caregivers and stakeholders from across Nigeria, Governor Biodun Oyebanji who was represented by the Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Princess Adetoun Agboola commended NAEC for 36 years of advocacy and saluted all practitioners working with exceptional children.

“I know your pains. I know your struggles. You are the ones turning ‘hopeless situations’ into testimonies. Let me assure you: Government is aware. And your interventions are working”, the Governor said.

Highlighting Ekiti’s strides, Governor Oyebanji listed key interventions to include free, compulsory and qualitative education for children with disabilities from primary to secondary school, establishment of the first adapted classrooms in public special schools in Nigeria, recruitment of Speech Therapists, Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists in public special schools for the first time in Nigeria.
Development of a new curriculum for Special/Rehabilitation Classes.

Others include free healthcare for all PWDs at primary health centres, free therapeutic services in special schools, establishment of a Therapy Centre for Children with severe Disabilities, distribution of over N12 million worth of hearing aids and hosting of the _first ever Ekiti State Paralympics Games, where new talents were discovered.

Speaking further, the Governor also cited the training and empowerment of over 130 PWDs with start-up kits, cash grants and Trade Test Certificates, and another 100 currently on apprenticeship, employment of 41 PWDs into the State Civil Service, approval for 17 therapists and 91 support staff as well as the creation of the Office of the Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion and appointment of Persons with Disabilities into key positions including as Executive Secretary, Special Assistant and Board Members.

“What we are doing in Ekiti is not an accident. Soon, this revolution will spread round Nigeria and across Africa. Because when one state proves that inclusion works, a nation cannot continue with exclusion”, he added.

The Governor urged parents not to hide children with disabilities, noting that training is ongoing for all Head teachers and Principals to ensure public schools remain open to all learners. He also charged stakeholders to leave the conference with commitments, not just resolutions.”

It is recalled that In June 2025, during the Annual National Conference of Nigeria Association of Special Education Teachers, Governor Oyebanji was conferred with the Disability Champion Award and the NASET Fellowship. He has also received other numerous awards based on his unique human face approach to governance and intentional support for persons with disabilities.

01/08/2026

Welcome to August!

May this new month truly be a visitor that brings good news, fresh beginnings, divine favour and beautiful surprises beyond expectations.

Wishing you a peaceful and fulfilling month filled with remarkable testimonies.

Happy New Month!

Princess Adetoun Agboola,
Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion.

22/06/2026

Congratulations to our Disability friendly Governor, His Excellency, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji on your re-election as the Governor of Ekiti State.

Your unwavering commitment to inclusive governance has brought hope, opportunities and positive transformation to countless lives across the state.

May God continue to grant you divine wisdom, sound health, strength and guidance to lead Ekiti State to even greater heights.

Once again, Congratulations sir. 👏 🎉

Princess Adetoun Agboola,
Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion

03/06/2026

Ekiti’s Inclusion Model Takes Centre Stage at Global Conference in Lagos.

Ekiti State’s growing reputation as a leading force in disability inclusion and special education reforms came into sharp focus at the 2026 National Inclusion Conference held at Rugby School, Atlantic City, Lagos. Bringing together educators, researchers, and policymakers under the theme “Embedding Inclusive Excellence: Supporting Neurodiverse Learners in Every Class,” the two-day event highlighted measurable strategies for integrating special needs individuals into the wider society.

Delivering a compelling presentation on “Ekiti State Inclusion Journey,” Princess Adetoun Funmilayo Agboola, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Education and Social Inclusion, highlighted how the Biodun Oyebanji administration has turned disability inclusion from mere political rhetoric into measurable action. The state has actively integrated persons with disabilities into governance based on competence, appointing seven individuals to strategic leadership roles and employing 41 others into state and local government positions.

To ensure equal opportunities from the ground up, the government overhauled its special education framework by upgrading public schools with modern therapy rooms, ICT labs, and trained specialist personnel. These interventions led to a 30% rise in student performance in national examinations like WAEC and JAMB, enabling many beneficiaries to transition into tertiary institutions such as Obafemi Awolowo University and Afe Babalola University.

Ekiti has also pioneered critical healthcare and welfare support systems, including establishing Nigeria's first free public therapy center for children with severe disabilities and offering free healthcare at primary health centers. Furthermore, the state executed a free prosthetics program providing artificial limbs to 131 individuals, conducted mental health screenings, and set up a skills acquisition center that has already trained and empowered over 130 beneficiaries in vocational fields.

The state is similarly fostering social and athletic integration, resulting in Persons with Disabilities athletes winning gold medals at the National Sports Festival. With the recent launch of Ekiti’s first inclusive basic school in Ikole-Ekiti for neurodivergent learners, Princess Agboola urged other governments to adopt similar deliberate policies, proving that meaningful societal change happens when leaders actively prioritize the dignity of persons with disabilities.

Echoing the need for national reform, the Registrar of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, Dr. Ronke Soyombo, lamented the inadequate implementation of inclusive education across the country. She emphasized that every child deserves equal opportunities in both public and private schools, urging teachers to remain motivated because neurodiverse children possess immense talents capable of contributing significantly to national development if properly nurtured.

In her remarks, Mrs. Lai Koiki, Chairperson of the Association of Private Educators of Nigeria, defined true inclusion as creating environments where every child is seen, supported, and valued for their potential rather than their challenges. She identified teacher preparedness, flexible learning systems, parental involvement, and intentional leadership as critical drivers, calling for stronger collaboration among governments, specialists, and communities to build sustainable support systems.

The event concluded with insights from global inclusion experts, including Thomas Keaney, CEO of TCES Group, and Daniel Sobel, President of the International Forum of Inclusion Practitioners (IFIP). They addressed participants on practical psychological approaches and classroom strategies designed to support neurodiverse learners, reinforcing the conference's goal of helping special needs students maximize their abilities in both academic settings and the broader society.

01/06/2026

WELCOME TO JUNE!

As we step into this significant election month in our dear state, may we experience triumph, unity, peace and positive outcomes.

Here’s to a strong finish for the first half of the year, and a victorious June for Governor BAO and Ekiti.

Princess Adetoun Agboola,
Special Adviser on Special Education & Social Inclusion

01/05/2026

Today, we celebrate the strength, dedication, and resilience of every worker particularly those working with People with Disabilities.

May your strength be continually renewed, your efforts rewarded and your impact multiplied.

Happy Workers' Day!
Happy new month!

Princess Adetoun Agboola,
Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion

20/04/2026

From Training to Transformation

In these videos, Persons with Disabilities who graduated from the Skills Acquisition Training Programme for PWDs share heartfelt testimonies of how the initiative has empowered them with practical skills, restored their confidence and provided sustainable means of livelihood.

They express deep appreciation to His Excellency, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, for his unwavering commitment to inclusion and for creating opportunities that continue to enhance the welfare of Persons with Disabilities in Ekiti State. They also commend the Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Princess Adetoun Agboola, for her dedication and instrumental role in advancing Governor BAO's social inclusion agenda.

This is what true impact looks like. Empowering people, transforming lives and building a more inclusive society for all citizens, regardless of ability.

19/04/2026

From Training to Transformation

In these videos, Persons with Disabilities who graduated from the Skills Acquisition Training Programme for PWDs share heartfelt testimonies of how the initiative has empowered them with practical skills, restored their confidence and provided sustainable means of livelihood.

They express deep appreciation to His Excellency, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, for his unwavering commitment to inclusion and for creating opportunities that continue to enhance the welfare of Persons with Disabilities in Ekiti. They also commend the Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Princess Adetoun Agboola, for her dedication and instrumental role in advancing Governor BAO's social inclusion agenda.

This is what true impact looks like. Empowering people, transforming lives and building a more inclusive society for all citizens, regardless of ability.

05/04/2026

‎Ekiti Marks World Autism Awareness Day with ‘BAO Walk’, Expands Capacity for Early Screening‎

‎‎The Ekiti State Government on Thursday stepped up efforts to promote inclusion and early intervention for children with autism as top officials and stakeholders embarked on a symbolic awareness walk to commemorate World Autism Awareness Day.
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‎The event, tagged “BAO Walk for Autism,” saw participants trek from the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) to the state Therapy Centre in Ado Ekiti, in a campaign designed to deepen public understanding of autism and reinforce support for the neurodivergent community.
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‎Leading the initiative, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Princess Adetoun Agboola, disclosed that the state had recorded a major milestone in building local capacity to manage autism, revealing that 50 personnel had been trained free of charge to screen children for the condition independently.
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‎She explained that the training, facilitated in partnership with a United States-based organisation, Spark A Spectrum, would reduce reliance on external experts and enhance early detection across the state.

Princess Agboola acknowledged the critical role of Spark A Spectrum, led by Dr Loukia Tsami of the Centre for Autism and Developmental Services, University of Houston, USA, in equipping the trained personnel with effective skills and modern techniques for autism screening.
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‎According to her, while screening differs from clinical diagnosis, it plays a critical role in guiding proper placement decisions and ensuring that affected children receive appropriate treatment and support.
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‎Princess Agboola noted that many children currently undergoing care at the state’s therapy centre have shown significant improvement, attributing the progress to sustained government investment and a compassionate policy direction under Governor Biodun Oyebanji.
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‎She described autism as a developmental condition often characterised by challenges in communication, social interaction and repetitive behaviours, stressing the need for increased awareness and professional expertise.

‎The Special Adviser further revealed that the government had sponsored a rehabilitation scientist for specialised training outside the state to strengthen the pool of experts handling autism cases in Ekiti.
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‎Reaffirming the administration’s commitment to persons with disabilities, she said several initiatives had been introduced to improve their welfare and ensure inclusivity in line with the governor’s development agenda.
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‎Also speaking, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Niyi Adebayo, said the awareness walk had broadened his understanding of autism, particularly its sensitivity, and underscored the importance of collective support for affected children.
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‎He stressed that children with autism possess great potential and can excel beyond expectations if given the right care and opportunities.
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‎Mr Adebayo commended Governor Oyebanji for prioritising inclusive governance and investing in programmes that cater to vulnerable groups, adding that the administration’s shared prosperity agenda ensures that no segment of society is left behind.
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‎Similarly, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Peju Babafemi, described children with autism as “little champions” capable of making meaningful contributions to society despite their challenges.
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‎She noted that autism cuts across all social classes, affecting children from both privileged and less privileged backgrounds, but expressed optimism that early intervention and sustained care would continue to yield positive outcomes.
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‎Describing the awareness walk as an eye-opener, Mrs Babafemi said the initiative aligns with government policies aimed at empowering persons with disabilities and promoting their full participation in society.
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‎In his contribution, an Occupational Therapist, Mr Michael Akande, educated participants on therapeutic approaches and care strategies for children with autism, highlighting practical methods used in managing the condition and improving behavioural outcomes.

Dignitaries at the event included the Hon. Akin Rotimi, ‎Member, Federal House of Representatives, Head of Service; Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oyebanji Filani; Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Akin Oyebode; SA/DG, OTSD, Dr. John Moyo Ekundayo; SA/DG Bureau of Special Project, Hon. Bunmi Talabi, SA/DG Bureau of Public Procurement, Hon. James Folorunso, Arch. Tope Ogunleye and Wife of the speaker, Mrs Adenike Aribasoye.

Others were the D.G Bureau of Civic Orientation and Citizenship Mrs. Olawunmi Famuyiwa, alongside with medical professionals Prof Paul Olowoyo, A neuro-pediatrician from Federal Medical Centre Ido-Ekiti, Dr. Adebisi a pediatrician from the Ekiti State Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti Among Several other Medical Professionals Permanent Secretaries across MDAs and representatives of non-governmental organisations among others.

Address

Governor's Office
Ado-Ekiti

Website

http://www.ekitistate.gov.ng/

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