The Insight Initiative for Community and Social Development (IICSD) has called on the Osun State Government to immediately reopen schools for children with special needs and prioritize the welfare of the vulnerable children.
In a press statement signed by its Programmes Manager, Engr. Kolade Onaolapo, IICSD described the continued closure as an unacceptable disruption of the children’s right to education, care and development.
The organisation said the students were becoming demoralised by the prolonged closure, which had affected their education, social interaction and access to specialised support.
“Children with special needs should not be made to suffer the consequences of funding challenges or administrative shortcomings,” the statement said.
IICSD acknowledged the interventions of stakeholders whose advocacy had prompted the government to explore alternative funding sources but maintained that the development should lead to urgent action rather than further delays.
It expressed concern over the earlier explanation that the schools could not resume because of the unavailability of local government allocations, urging the government to demonstrate the political will to resolve the crisis.
The organisation also called for an urgent review of the reported N180 daily meal budget per student, saying the amount should be increased to reflect prevailing food prices and the nutritional needs of the children.
“We further urge the government to ensure that students, particularly those in residential facilities, receive three balanced meals daily to support their health, learning and general well-being,” it said.
Beyond feeding, IICSD urged the government to address reported infrastructure deficiencies in the school by providing accessible classrooms, functional sanitation facilities, suitable accommodation where necessary, assistive learning materials and other essential resources.
The organization also advocated transparent funding and monitoring mechanisms to ensure the proper utilisation of resources allocated to the schools and prevent future disruptions.
“Inclusive education cannot be achieved by merely opening school gates. It requires adequate funding, trained personnel, appropriate facilities, quality learning materials and an environment where every child can learn with dignity,” the statement added.
IICSD urged the government to do things right by placing the interests of the children at the center of its decisions
“These students deserve more than promises; they deserve immediate action and an education system that gives them a fair opportunity to thrive.”