The Management of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, received the leadership of the National Association of Exceptional Children (NAEC) and reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to inclusive education and equal learning opportunities for persons with special needs.
The NAEC delegation, led by its National President, Professor Julius Abiola Ademokoya, paid a courtesy visit to the University Management as part of activities marking the Association’s 36th Annual National Conference, holding in UNILAG from Tuesday, August 4 to Friday, August 7, 2026. The conference is themed “Repositioning Special Needs Education in Nigeria.”
Professor Ademokoya expressed appreciation to the University Management and Faculty of Education for their support towards the successful hosting of the conference. While commending the University’s Special Needs Unit for its impact and dedication to supporting students with disabilities, the NAEC National President stressed the need for the Unit to be elevated to a full-fledged Department to further deepen teaching, research, and service delivery in the field.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Development Services, Professor Foluso Afolabi-Lesi, who received the delegation on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, welcomed the visitors to the University and congratulated the Association on the successful hosting of its national conference.
Professor Afolabi-Lesi noted that UNILAG remains a leader in advancing inclusive education, with one of the highest populations of students with special needs among Nigerian universities. According to him, this reflects the institution’s unwavering commitment to creating an enabling environment where every student can thrive regardless of physical or learning challenges.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor described the conference theme as timely and highly relevant, stressing that it aligns with the nation’s growing need to strengthen policies and practices that promote inclusive education and equitable access to learning.
The courtesy visit further underscored the shared commitment of UNILAG and NAEC to efforts aimed at advancing inclusive education and strengthening support systems for learners with special needs in Nigeria.
Report: Gbenga Gbelee
Photograph: Michael Joshua
