Challenges Hindering Effective Implementation of Inclusive Education in Nigeria

Abstract

The National Policy on Education states that education of children with special needs shall be free at all levels of education and all necessary facilities that would ensure easy access to education shall be provided via inclusive education or integration of special class and units into ordinary/public classes under the Universal Basic Education (UBE) programme. It is under this inclusion model that learners with special needs spend most or all of their time with so-called normal learners. Lack of adequate resources to meet the educational needs of the learners in the regular schools causes most of the parents to have doubt as to whether the needs of their children are adequately met in these schools. This article briefly examines the following: Definition of special education, concepts of special needs children, inclusive education in Nigeria, some points that can facilitate inclusion in the Nigeria setting, inadequate educational facilities, poor teacher training, and poor policy implementation e. t. c.