A clarion call has been made to the government to intervene in the crisis-ridden special education sector. Kehinde Oshilaja, convener of the Kehinde Oshilaja Foundation, sounded the alarm at a stakeholders’ event, warning of an impending disaster if reforms are not implemented.

Oshilaja decried the deplorable conditions in special schools, citing the exodus of caregivers due to poor working conditions, meager salaries, and neglect. He emphasized that the brain drain would have devastating consequences on vulnerable pupils who rely on these professionals.

“Owners of these special schools have failed to prioritize the well-being of workers, leading to an exodus of caregivers,” Oshilaja lamented. He urged the government to address the plight of caregivers by improving their working conditions and appealed for improved conditions for teachers.

The foundation’s convener stressed the need for urgent action to prevent a crisis in special education. The call to action comes as stakeholders in the education sector converge to address the challenges facing special schools.