Special Education Teachers Praise Obaseki, Hail Reforms Targeting Special Needs Children

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has been praised by special education teachers for his education sector reforms, particularly his focus on supporting children with special needs. The National Secretary of the Special Education Teachers, Dr. Auwalu Danlami, commended the governor for the improvements in the quality of education and for addressing learning poverty in the state.

He also highlighted the 30 percent special allowance for special education teachers as a significant measure. This commendation came after a courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House in Benin City.

Additionally, Danlami disclosed that Governor Obaseki is set to be honored at the upcoming annual conference of the special education teachers.

He said, “We are here to express our gratitude to the governor for what he is doing for special education teachers in the State, paying them 30 percent special allowance in Edo State.

He has been providing special teaching kits and learning materials for the teaching of special needs students in the State and these have helped the children learn more.”

Calling for more support in the area of providing technological materials for children with special needs in the State, he reassured of sustained collaboration of the teachers.

He further invited the governor to their annual national conference, noting, “We are inviting His Excellency to our 35th annual national conference with the theme: Professionalizing Special Needs Education Services: The Needs for Technology-Based Skills,” taking place in the State between 3rd and 7th of June 2024.”

On his part, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Association, Ngbede Ochoche Anyebe said the teachers are recognizing Governor Obaseki for his developmental stride in various sectors, especially the education sector.

He said, “The Edo State Governor has done so much that we can see. Some governors perform on the pages of newspapers but on the field, nothing is there to show but in Edo State, there are testimonies to show the achievement of Obaseki.

“The National Association is giving Governor Godwin Obaseki a fellowship award for his good works and services he has provided for the association.

“We are here to support the governor because he has done well and his deeds will be remembered long after leaving the seat. He has a special heart for civil servants and we urge him to continue to take care of the welfare of teachers with special needs.”

In his response, Obaseki thanked the association for choosing Benin City as the venue for its 35th annual conference and identifying Edo as a State that is advancing and supporting the course of special needs teachers and students.

The governor represented by his Special Adviser (SA) on Media Projects, Mr. Crusoe Osagie said, “We thank your association for identifying Edo as a State that is advancing and supporting the course of special needs teachers and students.

“We want to thank you for acknowledging the good things he has done especially for the teachers in general and special needs teachers in particular in the State. The governor is very passionate about education. He started his educational reforms from the grassroots, the foundation of basic education level, introducing what is called the EdoBEST Programme, using technology to enhance teaching and learning.

“The governor is at the forefront of encouraging technology as tools to teach Edo children as about 60 percent of teachers use tablets to teach in our schools across the State and it shows that the governor has an affinity with technology.”

He added, “We thank you for your sacrifice as not every human being has the capacity and ability to deal with the challenge of looking after the kind of special children you’re looking after. It requires a lot of patience to do this.”