EDUCATIONAL CHALLENGES OF LEARNERS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS IN TVET INSTITUTIONS ACROSS SOUTHWEST NIGERIA

Abstract

One of the priorities of the Nigerian government is to provide high-quality, research-informed, and efficient skills development services that meet both individual and national economic needs. Although the country recognises and supports special needs education, existing approaches do not align with contemporary global best practices. Moreover, the absence of technology-driven classrooms and specialised laboratories, particularly within Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, has left students with special needs at a significant disadvantage in accessing technical education. Against this background, this study examined the challenges facing special needs students in TVET institutions in Southwest Nigeria. The study adopted a survey research design and utilised a structured Likert-scale questionnaire to collect data. Three research questions were addressed, and two null hypotheses were tested at the 0.05 level of significance. A purposive sample of 200 students with special needs from Federal Polytechnics in the region participated in the study. Findings revealed major challenges including inadequate financial support, cumbersome transition processes, high cost of educational materials and equipment, personal and family constraints, and shortage of specialists and paraprofessionals. The study recommends increased investment in special needs education by government and education stakeholders, alongside the provision of sustainable financial support and assistive resources to enhance equitable access to technical education for students with special needs.