The Insight Initiative for Community and Social Development (IICSD) has called on the Osun State Government to immediately reopen all affected special needs schools in the state, warning that their prolonged closure is undermining the education, welfare and development of vulnerable children.
The organisation also urged the government to establish a sustainable funding arrangement for the schools, improve feeding provisions and urgently address reported infrastructure deficiencies.
In a press statement signed by its Programmes Manager, Engr. Kolade Onaolapo, IICSD described the continued closure of the schools as an unacceptable disruption of the affected students’ right to education, care and development.
The organisation acknowledged the interventions and engagements of stakeholders, noting that their advocacy had compelled the government to explore alternative funding sources.
However, it insisted that the development should lead to immediate action rather than further delays.
IICSD expressed concern over the earlier explanation that the schools could not resume operations because of the non-availability of local government allocations, questioning the commitment to protecting the interests of the affected students.
According to the organisation, children with special needs should not bear the consequences of funding difficulties or administrative shortcomings.
It noted that the prolonged closure had disrupted the students’ education, social interaction and access to specialised support, while placing additional pressure on their parents and caregivers.
The organisation warned that every additional day the students remained at home further disadvantaged them.
It, therefore, called on the state government to demonstrate the political will to resolve the crisis through proper planning, intergovernmental collaboration and the mobilisation of available resources.
IICSD Questions ₦180 Daily Meal Budget
The organisation also called for an urgent review of the reported ₦180 daily meal budget per student, arguing that the allocation was inadequate given prevailing food prices and the nutritional needs of the children.
It urged the government to increase the allocation to ensure that students receive adequate and nutritious meals.
IICSD further stressed the need to provide three balanced meals daily for students, particularly those in residential facilities, to support their health, learning and general well-being.
Calls for Infrastructure Improvements
Beyond feeding and funding, the organisation expressed concern over reported infrastructure deficiencies in the schools, calling for a comprehensive assessment and a clear, time-bound plan to address the challenges.
It said special needs institutions should have accessible classrooms, functional sanitation facilities, suitable accommodation where necessary, assistive learning materials and other essential resources.
IICSD maintained that inclusive education required more than reopening school gates, stressing the importance of adequate funding, trained personnel, appropriate facilities and quality learning materials.
It urged the government to ensure that the schools were adequately equipped to meet the diverse needs of their students and provide an environment where every child could learn with dignity.
Stakeholders Urged to Sustain Advocacy
The organisation also called on relevant ministries, local government authorities, school administrators, parents and disability advocates to work together towards a lasting solution.
It advocated transparent funding and monitoring mechanisms to ensure that resources allocated to the schools were properly utilised and that similar disruptions did not recur.
While commending stakeholders who had continued to speak up for the affected students, IICSD encouraged them to sustain their advocacy until the schools reopened and the necessary improvements commenced.
The organisation said their efforts underscored the importance of civic engagement and public accountability in ensuring that the government fulfilled its responsibilities to vulnerable communities.
IICSD reiterated its demand for the immediate reopening of all affected special needs schools in Osun State, alongside improved feeding, adequate infrastructure and sustainable funding.
It maintained that the best interests of the children must remain central to government decisions, adding that the students deserved immediate action rather than promises.
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