Chapter 4: Inclusive Education: The Nigerian Attempt

Inclusive education has undoubtedly become the current global trend in education. This chapter examines the implementation of inclusion in Nigeria. The history of special education in the country is traced from the pre-Christian era to the coming of the missionaries and eventually the formal education for exceptional persons until this era of inclusion. Perspectives of the concept “inclusive education” are also examined. The chapter also looks at the introduction of a Universal Basic Education scheme, which is seen as an opening for inclusion. The implementation and legal framework of inclusion as well as its barriers in Nigeria are discussed. The chapter concludes that the implementation and practice of inclusive education in Nigeria is only in the realm of theory.