As reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), stakeholders have called for sustained investment in teacher training and accessible learning resources to improve Mathematics education for learners with visual impairment across the country.
The call was contained in a statement issued by the Executive Director of the Resource Centre for the Blind, Mrs Temitayo Ayinla, in Lagos, where she stressed that well trained teachers remain critical to achieving equitable and inclusive education.
Ayinla said governments and development partners should strengthen support for specialised Mathematics instruction to ensure visually impaired learners have equal opportunities to excel academically.
She disclosed that the Resource Centre for the Blind recently organised a three day Train the Trainers workshop in Lagos to equip resource teachers with skills in accessible Mathematics instruction.
According to her, the training focused on specialised teaching methods and the effective use of assistive instructional devices to improve Mathematics learning for students with visual impairment.
Ayinla noted that many visually impaired learners continue to encounter challenges due to inadequate specialised teaching materials, limited access to assistive devices and insufficient teacher preparation.
She explained that these barriers negatively affect students’ academic performance and reduce their opportunities in science, technology and other Mathematics related disciplines.
The Executive Director emphasised that improving access to quality Mathematics education requires sustained investment in teachers, describing them as the foundation of inclusive education.
She also called for stronger collaboration among governments, development partners, educational institutions and civil society organisations to expand access to teaching resources and continuous professional development for educators.
According to Ayinla, providing equal access to quality Mathematics education for learners with visual impairment is essential for promoting educational inclusion, developing human capital and supporting national development.
The statement also quoted the General Manager of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, Mrs Adenike Oyetunde Lawal, as reaffirming the state’s commitment to inclusive education through policies and programmes that support persons with disabilities.
Oyetunde Lawal said strengthening teachers’ capacity would enable learners with visual impairment to develop analytical, critical thinking and problem solving skills through quality Mathematics education.
She added that the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs had secured additional examination time for candidates with disabilities during Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board examinations and continues to support inclusive schools with educational materials.
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