The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has said there is urgent need to develop in the entire citizenry a strong conscientiousness for education and a strong commitment to its vigorous promotion.
He also stated that education should be seen by the government as a basic human right and the foundation for a more just and equal society which implies adequate funding to meet the target goals and objectives for equalizing learning for all pupils, including those with disabilities.
Oba Owoade stated this on Thursday when the Governing Council members of the Federal College of Education, Oyo, led by its Chairperson, Ambassador Nimotallahi Nihinlola Akanbi, paid him a courtesy visit at his Boroboro residence.[Special]
The Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo, Oyo State was established on 5th of October 1977 as a Federal Advanced Teacher’s College (Special).
The institution, according to a UNDP/UNESCO 1996 report, has the best qualified Staff in Special Education not only in Nigeria but in West, North, East and Central Africa.
The College is the only one of its kind in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa. It has the largest conglomeration of handicapped students that could be found in any higher institution in Nigeria and the largest concentration of specialized facilities for teaching and training of teachers of the special needs in Nigeria.
Alaafin noted that Special education prevents the waste of human potentials by giving individuals with special needs the expert instruction and tailored tools they need to develop maximum independence and skills.
According to him, “it prepares students with disabilities for vocational and career success, transitioning them into self-reliant workforce members who pay taxes and reduce dependency, and fosters an inclusive society that values human rights, reduces poverty, and honors the dignity of all citizens.”
“Special education drives national development by transforming every citizen regardless of physical, sensory, or cognitive ability into a valuable human resource who can actively contribute to the economy and society.”
He further pointed out that education is an important social service meant for everybody in the community whether the person is able bodied or suffers some disabilities, adding that it is a right for everybody both young and old to be educated because the purpose is for all to gain access to knowledge, skills and information that will prepare them to contribute to the development of their communities.
Alaafin, who expressed satisfaction at the performance of the Special College of Education management, saying they are doing well and friendly to the Palace, urged them to re-dedicate themselves for the progress and development of the institution as well as the challenges ahead.
The Paramount Ruler assured that whatever the College Governing Council wanted him to do for the progress of the institution, he would not hesitate to do so.
“The only thing I will charge you for is performance. The College has all what is required of a University status, such as structures, and human resources. What is now needed is the political backing and royal support.”
Earlier, in her address, Chairperson of the Governing Council, Ambassador Nihinlola Akanbi, who lauded the intellectual sagacity, support and co-operation of the Alaafin to human resources and development of the College, described it as unprecedented.
Also, Provost of the College, Dr. Ademola Rauf Salami, commended the un-relentless role of the Alaafin in the progress of the institution in particular and the country as a whole.
