CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES OF INCLUSIVE EDUCATION TO PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES IN OREDO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF EDO STATE

ABSTRACT

The study investigated the challenges and opportunities of inclusive education to primary school pupils with intellectual disabilities in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State. To achieve the purpose of the study, four research questions were raised and examined. The sample size for the study was made up of 100 respondents that were randomly selected from each schools in the local government. The descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. An analysis of data was done using frequency count and percentage. The findings from the study include that some of the challenges militating against inclusive education in primary schools in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State include lack of adequate funding, lack of infrastructure, lack of trained teachers, lack of policy implementation, language and cultural barriers. It was concluded that inclusive education will be a mean of continuous presentation of lots of opportunities to pupils with intellectual disabilities in primary schools in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State as it help in fostering a profound sense of belonging and acceptance among pupils with intellectual disabilities and provide pupils with intellectual disabilities access to academic resources. The study recommended among others that government should increase funding and allocation of resources to provide supportive services such as special education assistants, assistive technologies, and accessible learning materials to meet the diverse needs of pupils with intellectual disabilities.