Niger State Government has announced a generous N1 billion endowment fund to construct facilities for children with special needs across all 25 local government areas in the state.
The announcement was made by Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago during the launch of the RISE project for four pilot schools in Minna, in collaboration with the state government and various donor partners.
“Educating children with special needs is expensive, and it requires substantial investment to make it happen,” said Governor Bago. “This N1 billion endowment fund will ensure that we build the necessary infrastructure to support these children and give them the education they deserve.”
Governor Bago also made additional donations to support special education: N50 million to the Farid Foundation, and N25 million to each of the four pilot schools involved in the RISE project.
The Governor further approved the creation of a Board under the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education to oversee the initiative, as well as the establishment of scholarships and mentorship programs for students pursuing Special Education at Abdulkadir Kure University in Minna.
He expressed gratitude to the CEO and co-founder of the Farid Centre, Hajiya Aminat Jummai Gimba, for her leadership in advocating for children with special needs. “My administration will continue to focus on inclusive education, ensuring that no child is left behind,” said Governor Bago.
Hajiya Aminat Jummai Gimba, CEO of Farid Centre, described the RISE project as “a bold and transformative initiative aimed at integrating children with special needs into an inclusive learning environment in Bosso and Chanchaga Local Government Areas.” She added, “This project will establish a sustainable framework for inclusive education in Niger State, inspired by Governor Bago’s vision to expand access to quality education for all children.”
Dr. Hadiza Asabe Mohammed, Commissioner for Basic Education, highlighted the importance of inclusive education, stating, “Integrating children with special needs alongside their peers promotes social skills, empathy, and breaks down misconceptions about people with disabilities.”
The Executive Chairman of Niger State Universal Basic Education Board, Muhammad Ibrahim Baba, shared that the state is implementing an accelerated basic education curriculum to ensure that every child has access to basic education.
In his goodwill message, the representative of the Emir of Minna, Engr. Abdullahi Ndagi Aliyu, along with other dignitaries, commended the Farid Centre for its efforts in supporting children with special needs in education.
This initiative underscores the Niger State Government’s commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable educational system for all.