A new report executed by The Irede Foundation (TIF), a disability-focused NGO, has identified poor allocation and implementation of government budgets as the major factor hindering the full implementation of inclusive education in Lagos state.
The report was executed under the TIF’s United for Inclusive Education Project, a project being implemented under a coalition of The Irede Foundation (TIF), The Children Developmental Centre (CDC) and Festus Fajemilo Foundation (FFF), with funding support from the Disability Rights Fund (DRF).
Titled, ‘Mainstreaming Disability-Inclusion in The Process of Budgeting for, and Implementation of The Inclusive Education Policy in Lagos State, the report focused on evaluating the fiscal effort of the Lagos State government in promoting quality education for all persons with disabilities in Kosofe and Ikorodu local government area of the state, with focus on budget processing and community involvement and participation.
While giving her opening remarks, Crystal Chigbu Executive director, The Irede Foundation explained that the project is aimed at increasing the awareness on the existing gaps in the budget allocation for inclusive and mainstream education in Lagos state.
While emphasizing the need to factor in PWD’s in budget processing, Chigbu revealed that lack of access to education will affect the financial health of PWDs who are already at a disadvantage.
“Naturally not being in school as a kid is going to affect their financial health as adults. As they are far less likely to get good paying jobs or maybe even any job,” she said.
She added that, “no one should be condemned to a life of poverty and lack of opportunities because of the failure of the government to provide basic need that would help thrive and fully utilize their potentials.”
On his part Mr. Afolabi Fajemilo, Executive Director, FFF, highlighted the need for organisations of Persons with Disabilities and MDAs to engage with the government on ensuring that PWD’s are factored into budget processing going forward.