The Department of Special Needs Education under the Ogun State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has conducted a comprehensive training program for over 150 teachers from special needs schools across the state.

The capacity building workshop, themed "Understanding the Implementation of Inclusive Education Strategies For Supporting Diverse Learners And the Role Of Assistive Technology Integration In Special Needs," was held in Abeokuta, the state capital.

Professor Abayomi Arigbabu, Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, who declared the workshop open, emphasized that the training demonstrates the government's commitment to supporting people living with disabilities.

According to Arigbabu, the administration led by Governor Dapo Abiodun has prioritized special needs education through various initiatives, including increasing complimentary meals for learners by over 120 percent, providing wheelchairs and white canes to improve student mobility, and revitalizing the braille book production center.

"The present administration has not left the five special needs schools behind in the area of infrastructure interventions, as they were adequately supplied with furniture, modern toilet facilities, renovated and constructed buildings," the Commissioner stated.

He charged teachers in special schools to be empathetic and supportive, helping learners realize their potential to become respected citizens of the nation.

Mrs. Oluwatosin Oloko, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, explained that the workshop aimed to enhance teachers' skills in 21st-century teaching methodologies specifically designed for children with special needs.

The Director of Special Needs Education, Mrs. Deborah Ogundimu, noted that the program would provide participants with a deeper understanding of inclusive education principles and improve strategies for addressing diverse learners' needs and abilities. She added that the training would also help teachers understand how assistive technology can enhance learning accessibility for students with disabilities.

Two participants, Mr. Oluomo Soyoola and Mrs. Grace Oresegun, expressed appreciation to Governor Abiodun for supporting their professional development through the workshop, which they said would increase their skills in working with pupils with special needs.