Friends of the Deaf Int’l Foundation (FDF) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing inclusive education and support services for persons with disabilities in Nigeria.
The foundation made the commitment during the 9th Biennial Conference of the School of Special Education (SSPED), Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo State.
The conference, which opened on Tuesday, was themed “Global Horizons in Special Education: Advancing Diagnostic Precision and Evidence-Based Intervention.”
Representing the Special Guest of Honour, Air Commodore Adedokun Edward (Rtd), Mrs. Funmilola Arike Ogunro participated in the conference proceedings and received an award on his behalf.
The award recognised the retired Air Commodore’s contributions to leadership and training in Nigeria’s defence sector.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Ogunro commended the organisers for promoting inclusive educational practices for learners with special needs.
She emphasised the need for equitable access to education for children with disabilities, noting that inclusion could only succeed through collective efforts.
The event featured keynote presentations by Jesse Abiodun Otegbayo and Kelechi U. Lazarus.
Professor Otegbayo delivered a keynote address, while Professor Lazarus presented a lead paper titled, “Bridging the Gap: Aligning Diagnostic Precision with Special Education Classroom Practice.”
The conference continues until Friday with plenary sessions, workshops and discussions on educational assessment, assistive technology, diagnostic practices, inclusive learning strategies and vocational training for persons with disabilities.
