Cross River Begins Process to Domesticate Inclusive Education Policy, Targets Equal Learning Opportunities for All Children

The Cross River State Government has commenced the process of domesticating Nigeria’s National Policy on Inclusive Education in a move aimed at ensuring that every child, including those living with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, has access to quality and equitable education.

The initiative was unveiled during a three-day stakeholders’ workshop held in Calabar and supported by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the Federal Ministry of Education, and other development partners. The workshop brought together education stakeholders, policymakers, development experts, and advocacy groups to develop a framework for implementing inclusive education across the state.

Speaking at the event, UNICEF Education Specialist, Believe Eke, described the domestication process as a critical step toward addressing long-standing barriers that prevent many children from accessing education. He noted that inclusive education is not merely about placing children with disabilities in classrooms but about transforming the entire education system to accommodate the needs of all learners regardless of their physical, social, or economic circumstances.

Eke observed that despite Nigeria's adoption and revision of the National Policy on Inclusive Education in 2023, implementation has remained slow in many states. According to him, challenges such as inadequate school infrastructure, inaccessible learning materials, insufficient teacher training, and societal discrimination continue to exclude thousands of children from educational opportunities.

He emphasized that inclusive education is both a human rights responsibility and a development necessity, stressing that societies that embrace inclusive learning systems often enjoy stronger social cohesion, improved educational outcomes, and broader economic opportunities. UNICEF, he said, is working closely with Cross River State to adapt the national policy to local realities while providing technical support, teacher development programmes, community engagement initiatives, and improved education data systems.

Representing the Director of Basic Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Folake Olatunji-David, Edith Uchenna commended Cross River State for taking proactive steps toward translating national education goals into practical state-level actions. She stressed that successful implementation would require sustained collaboration among government institutions, development partners, civil society organisations, parents, and local communities.

The Executive Chairman of the Cross River State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Fidelia Okpo Ene, described inclusive education as a fundamental human right and a reflection of society’s commitment to fairness, justice, and equal opportunity. She noted that successful domestication of the policy would require supportive legislation, strategic planning, improved infrastructure, specialized learning materials, teacher training, and active community participation.

Ene urged participants at the workshop to contribute ideas and practical solutions that would ensure the successful implementation of inclusive education across schools and communities throughout the state.

Also speaking, the Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Stephen Odey reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Bassey Otu's administration to expanding access to quality education. He assured stakeholders that the state government would continue to support initiatives designed to reduce the number of out-of-school children while promoting inclusiveness, accountability, and collaboration within the education sector.

The domestication process is expected to provide a legal and operational framework that will guide the implementation of inclusive education policies in Cross River State, ensuring that no child is denied educational opportunities because of disability, social status, gender, or other forms of vulnerability.