Bago donates N1bn education facilities for children with special needs 

The Niger state government Wednesday announced the donation of N1 billion naira as endowment fund for the construction of facilities for pupils with special needs across all the 25 local government areas of the state.

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago made the announcement in Minna during the flag-off of the RISE project for four pilot schools, in collaboration with the state government and other donor partners.

He said, “Educating children with special needs is expensive, hence, it needs a huge amount to run it. The Niger State Universal Basic Education Board (NSUBEB) will ensure the project is executed soonest.”

The governor also made a donation of N50 million to Farid Foundation, and N25 million to each of the four pilot schools selected for the RISE project.

He ordered the formation of a board under the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education for immediate take off, to carter for children with special needs and also the commencement of scholarship and mentorship in special education, in Abdulkadir Kure University, Minna.

While thanking the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), co-founder of the Farid Centre, Hajiya Aminat Jummai Gimba, for leading the crusade for the care of children with special needs, the farmer governor assured that his administration will continue to focus on inclusive education.

The CEO and co-founder, Farid Centre, Hajiya Aminat Jummai Gimba said, the RISE project is a bold and transformative initiative that is aimed at integrating children with special needs into inclusive learning environment in Bosso and Chanchaga local government areas as a pilot scheme.