Stakeholders in the healthcare and education sectors have expressed deep concerns over the lack of adequate facilities and support systems for children with special needs in Nigeria. They highlighted a significant gap in the country’s infrastructure and services for these vulnerable children, which has led to the absence of essential care.
At a press briefing organized by OAKonsult Disabilities Outreach to announce the upcoming construction of a new facility for children with special needs, disability advocates called on the government to prioritize policy support, allocate resources, and foster an inclusive environment for proper care.
Mrs. Olufunke Adeloye, Chief Responsibility Officer of OAKonsult, lamented the lack of resources dedicated to children with special needs in Nigeria. She emphasized that despite the country’s ratification of international inclusion policies, there has been little implementation, leaving these children without sufficient support.
“We have policies on inclusion in health, education, and society, but the issue lies in the implementation. We have the laws and policies, but the required infrastructure and commitment to carry them through are lacking,” Adeloye stated.
She also pointed out the poor state of hospitals across Nigeria, especially in teaching hospitals, where even basic resources like water are often unavailable. “In some hospitals, families are expected to bring their own water when a mother is about to give birth. This neglect within the healthcare system severely impacts the care of children with disabilities,” she said.
Adeloye further criticized the education sector for its lack of facilities for children with disabilities. “Many schools still lack basic provisions such as wheelchair ramps, specialized teachers, and therapy services. It is unconscionable that children in wheelchairs cannot attend school because there are no ramps or elevators,” she noted.
She emphasized that children with disabilities need more than just physical accommodations; they require an inclusive environment that also addresses their emotional, psychological, and social needs.
Regarding the proposed new facility, OAK Centre Prime, Adeloye shared that it will provide world-class care, rehabilitation, and education for children with special needs. The center will be located on a 35-acre site in Oolo, near Ogbomoso, Oyo State, and is set to begin construction on April 22, 2025.
The center will offer a comprehensive range of services, including residential accommodations for children and families, a specialized healthcare center, daycare services, therapeutic facilities, and recreational areas such as a water park, botanical garden, and nature park. It will also feature a chapel, sports center, and professional advisory services for families.
“We aim to offer personalized care and modern therapeutic services, providing an alternative to families who currently travel abroad for disability care,” Adeloye said.
She expressed optimism about the center’s sustainability, which will rely on funding from families, grants from international bodies, and volunteer contributions from professionals.
“This project is not just a human plan; it’s something God wants to accomplish. When God has a purpose, no one can stop it. Our multidisciplinary team will be trained to global standards to ensure the highest quality of care,” she added.
Prince Deji Irawo, the Asipa of Odi-Olowo, Mushin Kingdom, and an advisory member of OAKonsult, also spoke at the event. He emphasized the importance of collaboration in advancing the cause for children with special needs, urging government bodies, philanthropists, and the community to unite in supporting the new facility.
Irawo highlighted the role traditional rulers can play in advocating for the welfare of children with disabilities. He stressed that traditional leaders, with their influence, are well-positioned to mobilize resources and raise awareness.
“It’s an honor to be part of this initiative and change the narrative in Nigeria, especially through the royal institute,” Irawo said. “These children are special, and we need to make sure that people understand that.”
OAKonsult, founded in 2021 and operating in both Nigeria and the UK, has been actively addressing gaps in disability care and aims to provide specialized education, skill-building programs, and advocacy to improve the lives of people with disabilities across Nigeria.
