Inclusive Education and Religious Awareness for Persons with Special Needs in Kano

Inclusive Education and Religious Awareness for Persons with Special Needs

Concerns over Inadequate Education and Religious Knowledge

A significant gap in inclusive education for persons with special needs (PwSN) in Nigeria has emerged, highlighting critical deficiencies in both educational access and religious awareness. Disturbingly, a 27-year-old Muslim living with special needs was recently found to be unaware of the identity of Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam until attending a specialized class.

Educational Hurdles and Social Exclusion

Education for PwSN in Nigeria remains an under-addressed issue due to several obstacles. Challenges include inadequate government funding, scarce specialized teachers, and limited infrastructural support. This deficit adversely affects not only the educational opportunities but also the religious learning of persons with special needs, as highlighted by their lack of exposure to fundamental religious teachings.

Discrimination and Social Marginalization

PwSN in Nigeria encounters pervasive discrimination and societal exclusion. They face substantial challenges in accessing housing, education, employment, and public transportation. Worryingly, their rights are often overlooked within both state institutions and broader Nigerian society, leading to a sense of helplessness and dependence.

Advocacy and Recent Initiatives

Efforts by organizations like the Adolescent Health and Information Projects (AHIP) and Markaz Ihyaahi Sunnah Wa-ikhmaadi Bid’ah Kano have brought attention to this issue. They recently donated educational materials focused on sign language to special schools in Kano, aiming to bridge the educational gap and provide a more inclusive environment for PwSN.

Urgent Calls for Inclusive Education and Religious Instruction

Advocates and experts, including Ustadh Ibraheem Amosa (Albany), emphasize the dire need for specialized educational programs tailored for PwSN. They propose adequately funded special schools equipped with qualified instructors and dedicated infrastructures for teaching Arabic and Quranic studies. Such initiatives aim to ensure that PwSN has access to essential religious teachings and an inclusive educational environment that caters to their specific needs.

The Road Ahead

Addressing these critical issues requires concerted efforts from the government, educational institutions, and society at large. Policymakers must prioritize and implement inclusive education policies, ensuring that the educational needs and religious rights of PwSN are fully recognized and supported.