In Abuja, there are a whopping 260,000 kids with disabilities, and they’re all scrambling for a spot in less than 1 percent of the 629 public primary schools. Yes, you read that right.
According to the Annual School Census Statistical Report from the Federal Capital Territory Administration, out of the 629 public primary schools in Abuja, only three are set up to cater to children with special needs. Talk about tough luck for children who are already vulnerable trying to get a chance in life.
The report further highlights that Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) has a total of 158 public primary schools, but guess what? Only one of them is established to cater to children with disabilities. Kuje, with its 111 schools, does slightly better with two schools for kids with disabilities.
And it doesn’t get better in other area councils. In Abaji, Bwari, Gwagwalada, and Kwali, there is no single public school for children with special needs. Zero!
And if you thought private schools would fill the gap, well, not quite. Out of the 1020 private primary schools in Abuja, a measly 12 are designed for children with special needs. Let that sink in. Nine out of those twelve are only for children in the eyebrow area of Abuja, AMAC, leaving Bwari with the other three.
In Abaji, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali, there is no single private primary school stepping up to cater to the education needs of children with disabilities. Nothing!.
So, there you have it. The government does not care so much for the education of children with disabilities in the federal capital city. Let’s hope someone takes notice and does something about it.Â
