As part of commitment of the Prince Dapo Abiodun-Led Administration towards improving the quality of education for every child, regardless of their physical, emotional, intellectual, or developmental differences, Ogun State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has trained special needs teachers across the State on effective classroom management.
Speaking during A-Day Capacity Building Workshop organised by the Ministry for Special Education Teachers in Abeokuta, The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, revealed that the workshop was designed to sharpen skills, broaden perspectives and strengthen teachers' professional capacity, saying a well-managed classroom would promote concentration, cooperation, emotional stability, positive behaviour and improved academic outcomes.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Oluwatosin Oloko, the Commissioner noted that the academic performance of every special learner was not necessarily limited by disability, but barriers within their environment, urging teachers to move beyond the traditional concept of discipline, embracing proactive and learner-centred interventions.
He reiterated that the present administration’s dedication to provision of qualitative and accessible education also included learners living with disabilities, hence, its yearly distribution of mobility and other amenities as well as creating a conducive teaching and learning environment at the 5 special needs Schools in the State.
"If a child cannot learn the way we teach, then we must adapt and manage the environment in ways that enables the child to learn effectively and comfortably. Let us continue to build classrooms where every learner, regardless of their challenges, feels valued, supported, safe and empowered to succeed," the Commissioner stated.
Earlier in her welcome address, Director of Education, Department of Special Needs and Inclusive Education, Mrs. Deborah Ogundimu, said special need classrooms goes beyond place of instruction but an environment where teachers communicate safety, structure and belief, enjoining participants to take advantage of the training and apply knowledge gained in their day-to-day impartation process for effective and efficient result.