Group Advocates Inclusive Learning For Students With Hidden Disabilities In Bauchi

By Sani Adamu Hassan

The Youth Adolescent Health Initiative and Counseling (YAHIC) has intensified advocacy for inclusive learning in secondary schools across Bauchi State, with a focus on students living with learning disabilities.

Speaking during an awareness rally with students from selected schools in Bauchi by YAHIC officials in Partnership with Development Exchange Centre DEC with supported by Brot Fur De Welt , the Programme Officer of YAHIC, Mr. Tameshiya Titus said the initiative aims to educate communities about learning disabilities, which are often misunderstood or ignored.

He explained that many people wrongly assume such conditions are physical disabilities, whereas they are linked to children’s mental and cognitive development, often affecting their academic performance.

“Sometimes a child underperforms in school and people conclude that the child is not serious. But in many cases, the child may be living with a learning disability that has not been identified,” he said.

Titus listed common learning disabilities such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, dyspraxia, and dyscalculia, noting that early identification and proper support can greatly improve a child’s academic performance.

He said the rally forms part of efforts to promote inclusive learning in line with provisions of the national education policy and called on the Bauchi State Ministry of Education to integrate learning disability awareness into teacher training and school curricula.

Responding, the Bauchi State Commissioner for Education Alhaji Lawal Mohammed Rimin Zayam, pledged the government’s commitment to ensuring a smooth teaching and learning environment for all students across the state.

The commissioner said policies have been put in place to promote inclusivity, assuring that all schools including those with students living with disabilities have access to necessary facilities without hindrance.

He further disclosed that Governor Bala Mohammed has approved over ₦20 million for the procurement of instructional materials for persons living with disabilities to enhance access to quality education and ease their learning process.

Rimin Zayam added that the state government remains committed to ensuring that all pupils in basic schools enjoy quality education without barriers.