Legislation on Special Needs Education in Nigeria: The Missing Links

Abstract

The field of special needs education faces new challenges in its agitation for equal opportunities, good health and well being for persons with special needs especially in the right to quality education in Nigeria. A crucial area is the need for legislative acts for persons with special needs. In this regard, the paper examined the key issues of legislation in special needs education in Nigeria. The rights of persons with special needs were presented to set the tone of the discussion. Similarly, the fundamental aspects of legislation; social welfare, education, civil rights, rehabilitation, residential and workplace accessibility for persons with special needs were also discussed. The paper presented the missing links in the provision of legislation in special needs education in Nigeria. The need for legislative acts on special needs education was highlighted. The paper concludes with recommendations on filling the missing links in legislative provisions for persons with special needs in Nigeria.