The Kano State Ministry of Education has organised a one-day capacity-building workshop for Special Education Officers, aimed at strengthening inclusive, safe, and gender-sensitive learning environments across schools in the state.
The workshop which took place Wednesday at the School For Arabic Studies Hall, themed “Promoting Inclusive, Safe, Gender-Sensitive Learning Environment for All,” brought together education stakeholders and professionals committed to advancing equitable access to quality education for every learner, particularly children with special needs and vulnerable groups.
Declaring the workshop open, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Bashir Baffa Muhammad, represented by the Director Schools of the ministry, Mallam Sagir Umar Danbare, delivered a goodwill message in which he underscored the commitment of the Kano State Government to inclusive education policies that ensure no child is left behind.
He emphasised the importance of creating learning spaces that are safe, supportive and responsive to gender and individual differences, noting that inclusive education is central to sustainable educational development.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Director of Educational Support Services, Hajiya Halima Sadiya Tukur, highlighted the rationale for the workshop, stating that it was designed to equip Special Education Officers with relevant knowledge and practical skills to effectively implement inclusive education practices in line with national and global standards.
She urged participants to actively engage in the sessions and translate the knowledge gained into impactful action in their respective assignments.
Two technical papers were presented at the workshop.
The first paper, titled “Understanding Inclusive Education: Concept, Policy, Framework and Implementation,” was presented by Dr. Auwal Inuwa Bello of the Department of Special Education, Bayero University, Kano.
Dr. Bello provided an in-depth overview of inclusive education principles, relevant policies and implementation strategies, stressing the need for systemic collaboration and teacher preparedness.
The second paper, titled “Gender-Based Violence: Implications for Learners’ Safety and Retention – Promoting Gender-Based Sensitive Learning Environment for All,” presented by Dr. Nasir Yakubu also from the Special Education Department, Bayero University, Kano, examined the impact of gender-based violence on access to education, learner safety and school retention.
The presentation called for proactive measures to prevent abuse and foster school environments that are safe, respectful and supportive for all genders.
Participants described the workshop as timely and impactful, noting that the discussions and presentations enhanced their understanding of inclusive and gender-sensitive education practices.
The Ministry reaffirmed its resolve to continue building the capacity of education officers as part of broader efforts to improve educational outcomes in Kano State.
