At the 2026 Special Educational Needs and Therapy Empowerment Conference and Trade Fair in Lagos, parents, educators, and disability advocates voiced their urgent requests for the Federal Government of Nigeria to enhance funding for inclusive schools and broaden access to therapy services for children with special needs. This plea was articulated through a statement from the Special Educational Needs and Therapy Empowerment (SENTE), emphasizing that robust policies and adequate funding are critical to support families with children requiring special educational interventions.

Dr. Mudi Nwachukwu, Chair of the SENTE Organising Committee, highlighted that the lack of financial resources and weak implementation of policies designed for disability inclusion significantly hinder the advancement of supportive environments for these children. She underscored that many parents struggle to finance the therapeutic services necessary for their children's development, indicating that therapy is often prohibitively expensive. Without substantial governmental support, families will continue to face insurmountable challenges in accessing the resources their children require.

The conference was themed "Preparing for Adulthood: Empowering Caregivers and Families," reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of equipping caregivers with the knowledge and tools necessary to advocate for their children. This call to action aims not only to strengthen the educational framework for children with disabilities but also to create a more inclusive society that recognizes and addresses the needs of all its citizens. The stakeholders' engagement is a critical step towards ensuring that children with special needs can receive the education and therapy they deserve, with the hope of fostering a supportive environment that allows for their growth and development into adulthood.