The Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project in Zamfara State has presented various learning materials to the School for Special Education in Gusau to promote inclusive education for students with disabilities.
The State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Malam Wadato Madawaki, during the distribution exercise, said the gesture was aimed at encouraging students with disabilities to pursue their educational dreams and contribute meaningfully to society.
Malam Madawaki assured that the state government would continue to provide more support to enhance the education of persons with disabilities in Zamfara.
According to him, the items distributed included Braille machines, Braille styluses, Braille papers, abacuses, white canes, hearing aids, sign language books, tricycles, among others.
He further disclosed plans to discuss with Governor Dauda Lawal the possibility of converting the School for People with Special Needs in Gusau into a boarding institution to enable students from other local government areas to benefit.
Malam Wadato Madawaki also said the initiative was part of efforts to ensure that students with special needs acquire quality education and enjoy the dividends of democracy.
“God willing, we believe His Excellency, the Governor, will grant approval for the conversion of the school into a boarding facility to attract more students with special needs from across the state,” he said.
The Commissioner also prayed for divine guidance for the newly appointed members of the Zamfara State Persons with Disabilities Board and reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to working closely with the board and AGILE to promote inclusive education.
“The Ministry of Education, AGILE, and the Disabilities Board will continue to collaborate to ensure that students with special needs are not left behind in our educational development plans,” he added.
In her remarks, the Zamfara State Coordinator of AGILE, Hajiya Sa’adatu Abdu Gusau, explained that under Component 3.1 (System Strengthening), AGILE provided the support to help students with disabilities become productive members of society.
She noted that the rehabilitation of toilets and construction of boreholes had already been completed in the school as part of the project’s broader commitment to improving learning environments across Zamfara State.“Even though this support was not originally part of AGILE’s core plan, the Commissioner directed that we extend assistance to the school in line with Governor Dauda Lawal’s vision of inclusive and equitable education,” she said.
Also speaking, the Deputy Coordinator of AGILE and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Salisu Dalhatu, stated that the school was among 174 schools that benefited from AGILE’s renovation and supply of learning materials.
According to him, under Component 3.1, AGILE met with the Association of People with Disabilities, Zamfara Chapter, under the leadership of Dr. Biliya, to develop strategies for supporting students with disabilities — an effort that has yielded positive results.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Zamfara State Persons with Disabilities Board, Alhaji Usman Nahuce, commended Governor Dauda Lawal for establishing the board to cater to the needs of persons with disabilities.
He also applauded AGILE for its continuous support and pledged to work diligently to improve the lives of persons with disabilities in the state.
Similarly, AGILE has also provided computers, printers, photocopiers, and laptops to Zonal Education Directors to enhance administrative efficiency.
The event was attended by Dr. Salisu Dalhatu, AGILE Component 3 Lead, other AGILE component heads, and members of the Zamfara State Disabilities Board.
COV: AMINU DALHATU.
