The eighth edition of the Edustake Conference, organised by Regalo Hope Foundation (RHF), convened students, educators, policymakers and development partners from across sectors to address the urgent need for inclusive and empowered education.
The conference, focused on the theme: “Inclusive and Empowered Education,” was held at the Lagos Theatre, Igando, Lagos on Thursday.
The Founder and Project Director, RHF, Dr. Chinenye Onuorah said that the conference was born in 2019 from a simple but powerful belief that education works best when everyone has a seat at the table.
She said; “This year’s theme: “Inclusive and Empowered Education,” is especially dear to us. It is not a new conversation, but a continuation of intentional work, work that has taken shape through our community engagements, and previous EduStake conferences, and a continuation of our conversation in 2024 under the theme: “Uniting for Inclusive Education”.
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“Inclusive education is not a destination. It is a continuous commitment, one that requires courage, collaboration, and consistency.”
Dr. Onuorah also announced that this edition is a special one because RHF is celebrating a major milestone; the graduation of the first cohort of the Teachers’ Leadership Academy Associates.
She congratulated the pioneer graduates saying; “today, we celebrate you. You represent educators who are not only skilled in the classroom, but equipped to lead, influence policy, mentor others, and shape inclusive learning environments. Your graduation marks more than the end of a programme; it marks the beginning of a greater responsibility, to lead with empathy, integrity, and impact.”
“Alongside this, we are proud of the Educators’ Seminar, a space designed to refresh, retool, and re-energize teachers with practical strategies for inclusive teaching, leadership, and professional growth.
“We believe that when educators are supported, empowered, and celebrated, the ripple effect is felt across entire school systems.”
There were nine graduates from the Teachers’ Leadership Academy (TLA) and the best graduating student; Ezefordu Fatimat won a cash prize of Fifty thousand naira (N50, 000).
The Keynote Speaker, Mr. James Samuel; Executive Director of Seams Deaf-Pro foundation in his remarks stated that Education, at its core, is not merely about classrooms, certificates, or curricula; Education is about access; it is about belief; it is about whether a child regardless of background, ability, language, or circumstance, is seen, heard, and given a fair chance to thrive.
He explained; “Over the years, EduStake has reminded us of something crucial; education does not belong to teachers alone, or government alone, or parents alone. It belongs to all of us. When one stakeholder fails, a child pays the price. When we collaborate, a generation benefits.”
“As someone who works closely with Deaf communities, creative youths, and underserved populations, I have learned a powerful lesson. Talent is everywhere; Opportunity is not. And too often, our education systems reward those who already have access, while unintentionally excluding those who learn, express, or communicate differently.”
Speaking on the importance of the discourse of the day, Mr Samuel said: “Education must no longer be designed for the “average” learner. It must be responsive, inclusive, and human-centred. It must recognise that some learners think visually, some express physically, some communicate through sign language, some through creativity, and some through innovation that has not yet been named.
He added that teachers play a central role in this transformation. “To the educators being celebrated here today, you are not just instructors, You are translators of hope; You are often the first to notice potential before the world believes in it, and in low-tuition and government schools especially, you carry a burden that goes far beyond your job description. Your recognition today is not symbolic. It is necessary.”
He charged the students present saying; “I want you to know this, your background does not define your ceiling; your school does not limit your future. Your difference is not a disadvantage, it is a strength waiting to be understood. But you must be willing to learn, to ask questions, to collaborate, and to take responsibility for your own growth.
The Keynote Speaker urged the policymakers and decision-makers that the future of education will not be secured by policies alone, but by listening; listening to teachers in the classroom, listening to students in public schools, listening to parents, listening to communities that have historically been excluded from decision-making.
“And to fellow stakeholders and partners, let us move from pilot projects to sustainable systems. From good intentions to measurable impact. From isolated interventions to shared ownership of outcomes.”
There was also quiz competition in different categories among the schools present and after the competition, Ponups School emerged winner with a cash award of N500, 000 Upper High School received N300, 000 for the second place while Jobeth School received N200, 000 for emerging third.
There were also awards for teachers in two categories namely: The RHF Legend Award for teachers with over 25 years’ experience in the classroom and The RHF Heroes Award, for teachers with over five years’ experience.
For winner of the RHF Legend Award, Mrs. Alice Aniemeke received N500, 000, Mr. Olamide Ayinla emerged winner of the RHF Heroes Award for Impact with a cash reward of N300, 000, for second position, Ms. Oseh Creda received N200, 000, for RHF’s Award for Innovation while for third position, Ms. Princess Ashibuogwu received N100, 000 for RHF’s Heroes Award for Leadership
The Panel discussion which has educators, a life coach, a director and the General Manager, Lagos State Office for disabilities examined how to achieve inclusive and empowered education in Nigeria.
They urged all stakeholders in the education sector to engage the power of collaboration if the country must achieve inclusive and empowered education.
Furthermore, they spoke on the importance of a positive mindset to make accommodation for individuals in all walks of life which is crucial in ensuring inclusivity in education in Nigeria.
RHF is a pan-Nigerian, independent, and non-profit organization that creates impact through health, education, and technology and is situated in the Igando area of Lagos State, Nigeria.
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