The Edo State Government has commended members of the Nigeria Association of Special Education Teachers for their dedication and selfless service to pupils with special needs across the state.
The commendation was given on Tuesday by the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Dennis Idahosa, when he received members of the Edo State chapter of the association during a courtesy visit to the Government House in Benin City.
Receiving the delegation led by Mr Isaac Azuka, the deputy governor acknowledged the sacrifices made by special education teachers and noted that the government deeply appreciates their commitment to nurturing and educating pupils with special needs.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Friday Aghedo, Idahosa assured the association that the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo would continue to support and collaborate with the Nigeria Association of Special Education Teachers.
“The Edo State Government commend your association for their selfless service to pupils with special needs.
We look forward towards the building a strong relationship between the Edo State Government and your organisation. This visit is timely. It would help strengthen collaboration between the government and NASET,” he stated.
He further assured the teachers that the government would give attention to their needs, particularly those aimed at improving efficiency and effectiveness in their service delivery.
Earlier, the association had appealed to the state government to ensure the inclusion of pupils with special needs in the state’s educational programmes.
Speaking on behalf of the association, Azuka commended the implementation of the SHINE Agenda of Governor Monday Okpebholo, especially as it relates to the education sector. He highlighted several challenges faced by the association and appealed for government intervention.
Azuka called for the recruitment of caregivers and qualified special needs teachers and also appealed for a 45 per cent increase in their allowances. He disclosed that Edo State currently has seven schools dedicated to the educational empowerment of pupils with special needs, comprising five primary schools and two secondary schools.
In a related development, the deputy governor also received the leadership of the Nigerian Youth Congress, led by Wisdom Isaac.
He assured the group of the state government’s collaboration on the upcoming Nigerian Youth Congress sensitisation project in Edo State, which is aimed at combating drug abuse and sensitising youths against cultism.
