Ekiti State’s Adolescent Girls’ Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project has received national recognition for its outstanding contributions to inclusive education across the state’s three special schools.
The prestigious award was presented by the National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) during its 36th Annual National Conference, hosted for the first time in Ekiti State in collaboration with the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Princess Adetoun Agboola. The conference, themed “Transformative Solutions to Inclusive Education Practices and Accessibility for Learners with Special Needs and Teachers in Nigeria,” brought together leading voices in education, disability inclusion, and policy-making to chart new paths for learners with special needs.
Ekiti AGILE was specially commended for its tailored and impactful interventions in the School for the Deaf, Ikoro-Ekiti; School for the Blind, Ikere-Ekiti; and School for the Physically Challenged, Ido-Ekiti. The project implemented extensive renovations, supplied specialized equipment based on the unique needs of each school, and provided cash transfers to girls from vulnerable households to promote school attendance and learning. Also acclaimed were its life skills programmes, particularly the Safe Space sessions that have empowered adolescent girls with critical knowledge on personal health, safety, self-confidence, and resilience.
Speaking at the event, the representative of the Executive Governor of Ekiti State and Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration to inclusive and equitable education. She applauded AGILE for complementing state efforts and transforming the lives of underserved learners. Other dignitaries in attendance included the Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Yinka Oyebode; National President of NASET, Dr. Catherine James Atteng; and Ekiti State Chairman of NASET, Mr. Salami Rasak, who all commended the Ekiti State Government for setting a national benchmark in special education delivery.
In an emotional moment following the award presentation, the AGILE Project Coordinator, Mrs. Yewande Adesua, expressed deep appreciation for the national recognition and dedicated the award to the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Dr. (Mrs.) Bimpe Aderiye (mni). She described the Commissioner as the pillar behind AGILE’s success, noting that her passion, direction, and relentless pursuit of inclusive educational reforms laid the foundation for the project’s milestones. “This award belongs to you, Honourable Commissioner. Your tireless push for inclusive policies, your visionary leadership, and your commitment to every child—regardless of their abilities—are the reasons we’re being celebrated today. We at AGILE are merely executing your vision,” she said. Mrs. Adesua then presented the award plaque to the Commissioner as a token of appreciation and a symbol of their collective impact.
In her response, Dr. Bimpe Aderiye appreciated the honour and expressed profound pride in the accomplishments of the AGILE Project. She commended the Project Coordinator for her exceptional leadership, wisdom, and integrity in project execution, describing her as a worthy ambassador of the education sector in Ekiti. “This recognition is a testament to what happens when vision meets purpose. I thank the Project Coordinator for her uncommon wisdom, dedication, and leadership in managing the AGILE Project. You have not only made Ekiti proud but have shown that with intentional planning, we can bridge the gap in education for all learners,” she said. The Commissioner further charged the AGILE team to remain committed to the objectives of the project, emphasizing that the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji places premium value on inclusive education and will continue to support initiatives that ensure that no child is left behind.
The national award stands as a resounding affirmation of Ekiti AGILE’s transformative impact and reinforces the state’s position as a shining example of inclusive education in Nigeria.