The Lagos State Government has pledged to continue to promote an inclusive education for students with disabilities.

The General Manager, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, stated this while celebrating students in junior inclusive high schools for their triumph at the grand finale of an interactive quiz competition.

Represented by the Director of Admin and Human Resources of the agency, Omolade Sonubi, the GM said that apart from fostering academic excellence, the initiative would activate the talents, abilities, and potential of students with special needs.

She said, “As we proceed with today’s interactive quiz, I would like to emphasise the significance of this initiative in promoting the educational integration of children with disabilities. It plays an essential role in breaking down stereotypes and demonstrating that every child, regardless of their abilities, has unique talents to offer.

“This preliminary round was designed to assess the students’ knowledge across a variety of basic education subjects. Separate sections were created to test the participants’ skills and understanding in various academic areas, and after an intense and engaging competition, three schools emerged victorious in each section.”

The acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Grace Abolarin, said Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration had prioritised the needs of students with special needs and would continue to upscale facilities to improve the learning environment for them.

At the end of the competition, Odo Obara Junior School, Epe emerged as the overall winner, followed by Sango Junior School, Agege, and Ikeja Junior High School, while Methodist Junior School, Badagry came fourth followed by Ipakodo Junior School, Ikorodu at the last spot.