Special needs schools across Osun State have remained closed to students, with the state government attributing the situation to a Federal High Court order affecting the state’s education sector.
The development has raised concerns among parents and stakeholders, particularly over the impact of the prolonged closure on children who require specialised educational support.
The affected schools cater to children living with various forms of disabilities and provide specialised learning facilities and services designed to meet their educational needs.
The government’s position comes against the backdrop of earlier concerns over inadequate facilities in some of the state’s special needs schools. Reports had highlighted challenges including insufficient learning equipment, poor hostel and toilet facilities, leaking roofs and inadequate personnel.
Stakeholders have consequently urged the government to ensure that the closure does not further disrupt the education of children with special needs, stressing that they require consistent access to specialised teachers, learning materials and appropriate facilities.
The Osun State Bureau for People with Disabilities, established under the state’s disability law, is responsible for promoting the inclusion and protection of persons with disabilities, including facilitating access to education and monitoring government policies affecting them.
The continued closure has therefore intensified calls for urgent clarification on when the schools will reopen and measures to prevent children with special needs from suffering further educational setbacks.
