LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT REFUNDS 145 FORMER SUBSCRIBERS OF EGAN HOUSING ESTATE
Pupils of Junior Inclusive High Schools in Lagos State have been celebrated for their triumph at the grand finale of the interactive Quiz Competition organised by the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA).
The five participating schools are Methodist Junior School, Badagry; Ipakodo Junior School, Ikorodu; Ikeja Junior High School; Sango Junior School, Agege and Odo Obara Junior School, Epe.
General Manager of LASODA Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal said the government remains committed to fostering inclusivity and enhance educational development for all children in the state, and will continue to address the concerns of pupils with disabilities.
The General Manager, represented by the Director of Admin and Human Resources, Mrs. Omolade Sonubi, noted that besides fostering academic excellence, the initiative will also activate the talents, abilities, and potential of pupils with special needs.
The event organised was organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education. Preliminaries held last year.
She said: “The preliminary round was designed to assess students’ knowledge across a variety of basic education subjects. Separate sections were created to test the participants’ skills and understanding in various academic areas, and after an intense and engaging competition, three schools emerged victorious in each section.
“Today, we are here to celebrate the efforts of all participants because this initiative is not just about fostering academic excellence. Through this platform, we aim to showcase their remarkable capabilities and encourage them to continue excelling in their educational endeavors.
“As we proceed, I will emphasize the significance of this initiative in promoting the educational integration of children with disabilities. It plays an essential role in breaking down stereotypes and demonstrating that every child, regardless of their abilities, has unique talents to offer. By creating inclusive educational opportunities such as this, we are nurturing a society that celebrates diversity, empathy, and inclusiveness.”
Mrs. Oyetunde-Lawal however urged the public to desist from discriminating and abuse of persons with disabilities. She described the actions as ‘inhumane and unjust’.
“Every individual, regardless of their abilities, deserve respect, equal opportunities, and the chance to thrive. It is our collective responsibility to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for people with disabilities, allowing them to fully participate in society and live dignified lives. Remember, every child deserves access to quality education, care, and encouragement, and it is our duty to provide that to all, without exception.” she added
Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Basic and Secondary education, Mrs. Grace Abolarin, said the Lagos State prioritises the needs of students with special education and will continue to upscale facilities to improve the learning environment for them.
Odo-Obara Junior School, Epe, won the first position, Sango Junior School, Agege came second, Ikeja Junior High School was third,
Methodist Junior School, Badagry came fourth and Ipakodo Junior School, Ikorodu, took the fifth position.
Participating schools hailed the initiative, saying it helped to improve the academic base of inclusive schools in the state. They thanked LASODA and the government for supporting initiatives that add value to the people with special needs.