From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
The House of Representatives has passed for second reading a bill for the establishment of a Federal College(Special) Dukku, in Gombe Stated.
The proposed legislation, which is sponsored by the member representing
Dukku/Nafada Federal Constituency of Gombe State, Abdullahi El-Rasheed, is titled “Bill for an Act to amend the Federal Colleges of Education Act to Establish the Federal College of Education (Special) Dukku, Gombe State and for Related Matters.”
El-Rasheed, in his lead debate, said the institution, when established will focus on training of teachers that would cater for the education of students with disabilities, taking into cognizance their special needs.
The lawmaker, while soliciting support for the bill, noted that there is presently only one institution in the country where teachers for special needs children are trained. He added that the proposed College of Education when established would compliment the existing institution, which is already in existence.
“It will interest you to know that the only school in Nigeria that offers courses in Special Needs Education is the Federal College of Education (Special) Oyo State, situated in the South-West geo- political zone which is currently over stretched.
“The establishment of the Federal College of Education (Special) Dukku will play a complimentary role to the existing college in Oyo State and will serve not only the people of Dukku; Gombe State or the North-East but the entire nation due to the strategic location of Dukku Local Government Area and its proximity to a number of States. “