The Role of Inclusive Education in National Development.

Abstract

Traditionally, Nigerians handicapped children have been maltreated and subordinated in our history and made to believe that they are the cause of their problems, they are even blamed for their conditions. These handicapped children, have been discriminated against, rejected, made to suffer untold hardship and sometimes abandoned to die. Therefore, the need for inclusive education, to enable them be useful to themselves, their communities and contribute to National Development. The writer discusses the concept of education, concept of inclusive education, reasons for inclusive education, the need for equal educational opportunities, advantages for inclusive education, and constraints for inclusive education. Finally, the writer contends that inclusive education is the right way forward and implores Nigerian government and educators to help our nation shatter pervasive stereotypes about handicapped children to enable them contribute meaningfully towards development of our Nation. Concrete and useful suggestions were made.