The Farid Centre, in collaboration with key partners, has officially launched The RISE Project, a transformative initiative aimed at promoting inclusive basic education across the state. The project, which stands for Resources, Inclusivity/Integration, Strategic Communications, and Empowerment, is a direct response to the stateβs commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind in the pursuit of quality education.
During the official flag-off ceremony, the Executive Governor of Niger State, Farmer (Dr.) Umaru Mohammed Bago, announced a groundbreaking investment of one billion naira to drive the effective and efficient implementation of inclusive education. He commended The Farid Centre for its unwavering dedication to the cause, describing the initiative as a “new horizon in the history of Niger State” that will provide emancipatory services to special communities.
The Governor emphasized that inclusive education is a fundamental right, highlighting the need for sustainable funding and multi-stakeholder engagement. He directed the immediate implementation of key initiatives, including:
Scaling up inclusive basic education in all local government areas of the state.
Special classrooms construction in four pilot schools through the Niger State Universal Basic Education Board (NSUBEB).
Formation of a Board for Persons with Disabilities, under the supervision of the Niger State Ministry of Secondary and Basic Education.
Financial commitments, including a β¦50 million donation to The Farid Foundation and β¦25 million to each of the four pilot schools to enhance learning infrastructure.
Approval for Abdulkadir Kure University to commence a Scholarship and Special Education Programme to further the cause of inclusive education.
Speaking at the event, Aminat Jummai Gimba, Co-Founder of The Farid Centre, described the launch as a milestone in the journey toward equity in education. “Today marks the beginning of a new chapter where challenges are turned into opportunities, and barriers into bridges. The RISE Project embodies the vision of ensuring that every child regardless of ability has access to quality education and a hopeful future,” she stated.
The RISE Project is designed to create a sustainable, holistic framework for inclusive education, focusing on:
Providing essential learning resources to make education more accessible.
Fostering inclusivity and integration in classrooms.
Leveraging strategic communication to drive awareness and policy change.
Empowering children with special needs, their families, and educators through targeted interventions.
The launch event witnessed the presence of prominent dignitaries, including the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alh. Yahaya Abubakar (CFR), and the Emir of Minna, Dr. Umaru Bahago, who both underscored the significance of investing in special education. They called for continuous government and community support for children with disabilities, emphasizing the high cost and specialized nature of inclusive education.
Also speaking at the event, the Hon. Commissioner for Secondary and Basic Education, Dr. Hadiza Asabe Mohammed, and the Executive Chairman of NSUBEB, Mal. Muhammad Baba Ibrahim, reaffirmed the State Governmentβs commitment to reviving the lost glory of education development in Niger State.
The Chairperson of Bosso Local Government Area, Hon. Rakiya Ladidi Bawa Bosso, expressed gratitude to The Farid Centre for championing the initiative, while Dr. Khadijah Abdullahi Iya, former Vice Presidential Candidate and first female governorship candidate in Niger State, lauded Governor Bagoβs educational reforms, emphasizing that education is the most effective tool for poverty alleviation.
The event featured symbolic presentations of school items to benefiting pupils by the Governor and The Farid Centreβs Co-Founder, alongside cultural performances advocating for inclusivity.
The RISE Project is sponsored by the MacArthur Foundation, in collaboration with JONAPWD, Abuja, marking a bold step toward a more inclusive educational system in Niger State.
This initiative is about education changing lives, shaping futures, and ensuring that every child, regardless of ability, has a fair chance at success.
12th of February, 2025
