Nigeria to host conference on neurodiversity, inclusive education

Nigeria is set to host the inaugural National Inclusion Conference 2026, a major platform to advance inclusive education, promote neurodiversity awareness, and improve access to learning opportunities nationwide.

A statement by the CEO of Seedar Group, Seyi Ajadi, in Lagos, on Tuesday, stated that the conference is being organised by the International Forum of Inclusion Practitioners, based in London and present in 138 countries, in partnership with Golden Links Educational Consultants, which operates in Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

According to Ajadi, the conference is expected to bring together policymakers, education leaders, school owners, teachers, parents, therapists, development partners, and international inclusion experts to strengthen Nigeria’s response to learning differences and disability inclusion.

With the theme Embedding Inclusive Excellence: Supporting Neurodiverse Learners in Every Classroom, the conference is designed as both an advocacy platform and a practical intervention to transform how inclusive education is understood and implemented across the country.

“Across Nigeria, children with neurodivergent conditions and disabilities continue to face significant challenges, including stigma, delayed diagnosis, inadequate classroom support, and limited teacher preparedness. In many communities, neurodivergence remains poorly understood, while families often grapple with denial, emotional strain, and limited access to early intervention.

“Educators also contend with structural barriers such as overcrowded classrooms, insufficient training in inclusive teaching methods, and gaps between policy frameworks and classroom realities. The conference seeks to bridge these gaps by moving from awareness to actionable solutions.

“The event will adopt a broad, human-centred approach, addressing not only neurodiversity—such as autism, ADHD, and dyslexia—but also physical, sensory, and speech-related disabilities, reflecting a commitment to universal inclusion.

“NIC 2026 will feature seven strategic tracks, including understanding learning differences, inclusive classroom practices, assessment and progression, leadership and whole-school inclusion, parent engagement, policy development, and learner resources”, Ajadi stated.

Explaining further, he added that the programme will include expert-led sessions, practical workshops, stakeholder dialogues, and case-based learning designed to equip participants with implementable strategies.

“It will also showcase success stories of neurodivergent individuals, promote accessible learning tools, and encourage collaboration among key stakeholders. A major focus of the conference is to shift national discourse from stigma to understanding and from awareness to structured action, while also providing a platform for adults who may be identifying neurodivergent traits later in life”, he added.

The statement noted that while speaking on the vision behind the initiative, the Convener, Angelina Ikeako, said the conference represents a critical turning point for inclusion in Nigeria’s education system.

“NIC 2026 is not just a conference; it is a national call to action. We are creating a space where inclusion is not theoretical, but practical, human-centred and transformative. Every child deserves to be seen, supported and given the tools to thrive, and this is the conversation we are bringing to the forefront”, the statement quoted Ikeako as saying.