… holds inaugural National Inclusion Conference 2026
By Charles Ogwo
The International Forum of Inclusion Practitioners (IFIP), based in London, and present in 138 countries has unveiled plans to advance inclusive education and promote greater awareness of neurodiversity across Nigeria.
The initiative which is in in partnership with Golden Links Educational Consultants, an education-focused organisation operating in Nigeria and the United Kingdom, aims to support learners with diverse needs, equip educators with the right tools, and foster a more accepting and adaptive education system nationwide.
Speaking on the vision behind the conference, Angelina Ikeako, the convener, said that NIC 2026 represents a turning point in how Nigeria approaches inclusion in education.
“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.
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“Every child deserves to be seen, supported and given the tools to thrive, and this is the conversation we are bringing to the forefront,” she said.
Ikeako explained that the inclusive conference will be Nigeria’s inaugural event tagged NIC 2026, with the theme
“Embedding Inclusive Excellence: Supporting Neurodiverse Learners in Every Classroom”,
She described the inclusive conference as a historic national platform dedicated to advancing inclusive education, neurodiversity awareness and universal access to learning opportunities across the country.
“NIC 2026 is expected to convene policymakers, education leaders, school owners, teachers, parents, therapists, development partners and international inclusion experts in a coordinated effort to strengthen Nigeria’s response to learning differences and disability inclusion.
“The conference is designed as both an advocacy platform and a practical intervention aimed at transforming how inclusive education is understood and delivered in Nigeria,” she emphasised.
Across the country, children with neurodivergent conditions and disabilities continue to face significant barriers, including stigma, delayed diagnosis, lack of adequate classroom support, and limited teacher preparedness.
In many communities, neurodivergence is still misunderstood, while families often struggle with denial, emotional distress and limited access to early intervention systems.
Educators also face structural constraints, including overcrowded classrooms, limited training in inclusive pedagogy, and gaps between education policy and classroom implementation.
NIC 2026 seeks to address these realities by bridging the gap between awareness and actionable solutions.
The conference will adopt a broad, human-centred and neuro-affirming approach to inclusion, covering not only neurodiversity such as Autism, ADHD and Dyslexia, but also physical, sensory and speech-related disabilities.
This reflects a commitment to universal inclusion and the principle of removing all barriers that limit learning.
NIC 2026 will run across seven strategic tracks, including understanding learning differences, inclusive classroom practice, assessment and progression, leadership and whole-school inclusion, parent and partnership engagement, policy and national impact, and resources for learners.
The programme will feature expert-led sessions, practical workshops, stakeholder dialogues and case-based learning aimed at equipping schools and education systems with implementable inclusive strategies.
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It will also highlight success stories of neurodivergent individuals in Nigeria, promote low-cost inclusive learning tools, and encourage collaboration between families, educators and policymakers.
A key focus of the conference is shifting the national conversation from stigma to understanding and from awareness to structured action, while also creating space for parents and adults who may be identifying neurodivergent traits in themselves later in life.
Organisers describe NIC 2026 as more than an event, positioning it as a national movement aimed at reshaping education systems and ensuring that every learner, regardless of ability or background, is supported to reach their full potential.
