The UK government‘s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has endorsed President Bola Tinubu to use fuel subsidy funds to promote education in the country.
This was expressed by FCDO’s representative, Ian Attfield, at the conclusion of the Inclusive Education project in Nigeria, (Supporting Mainstreaming Inclusion so all can Learn Equally, SMILE), on Wednesday in Abuja.
He said, “For the next five years or so, I’m certain we won’t be having discussions about how we can mainstream some of the inclusive education elements.
“There are many major economic changes taking place, such as the changes in fuel subsidy. It should start being deployed to support the human development of Nigeria to build education and services, among other things, that young people need.”
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Sunday Isiyaku, Country Director of Sightsavers Nigeria, a nonprofit organization, stated that inclusion in education remains the backbone of national growth.
According to him, governments at all levels and communities must ensure that children with disabilities are involved in the scheme of things when it comes to their education and future.
He emphasised on the need of developing human capital, emphasizing the beneficial influence it would have on the lives of disabled children and their families.
He stated that inclusive education was not just a fundamental human right, but also a potent tool for attaining long-term development.
Liesbeth Roolvink, Technical Director, Inclusive Education, Sightsavers Global Team, stated in her remarks: “We have trained many people, we have so many champions now that could take this process forward in different places in Nigeria and that is our dream and our hope.”
