An Overview of Inclusive Education and Its Significance for Equitable Learning Opportunities

Authors

  • E C Oji Department of Special Needs Education Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
  • E Thompson Department of Special Needs Education Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
  • S Umoh Department of Special Needs Education Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Keywords:

Inclusive Education, Equitable Learning, Diversity, Participation, Educational Policy

Abstract

Inclusive education has become a key framework for advancing equity and social justice in education. This paper presents an overview of inclusive education, exploring its principles, policy foundations, and relevance to equitable learning in diverse classrooms. It highlights the importance of inclusive practices in promoting access, participation, and achievement for all learners regardless of individual differences. The study discusses barriers to effective inclusion, such as inadequate teacher training, insufficient resources, and weak policy enforcement. It concludes that inclusive education is indispensable for achieving sustainable development and educational equity, requiring systemic commitment, continuous professional development, and culturally responsive pedagogy.

References

Adeniyi, O., & Olojede, F. (2024). Teacher preparedness and inclusive education in Nigerian public schools: Challenges and policy implications. Journal of Special Education Research and Practice, 18(2), 45–59.

Ademola, T., & Bello, R. (2024). Resource constraints and the implementation of inclusive education in Nigeria: A policy analysis. African Journal of Educational Development, 12(1), 101–118.

Ainscow, M., & Messiou, K. (2021). Engaging with the views of students to promote inclusion in education: Learning from experience. Cambridge Journal of Education, 51(4), 459–475. https://doi.org/10.1080/0305764X.2021.1905451

Ainscow, M., & Miles, S. (2022). Transformative leadership for inclusion: Developing equitable education systems. International Journal of Inclusive Education, 26(10), 975–990. https://doi.org/10.1080/13603116.2022.2062397

Ainscow, M., Booth, T., Dyson, A., & Farrell, P. (2020). Understanding inclusion: Lessons from international research. Routledge.

Ahmed, S., Okoye, J., & Nwosu, P. (2021). Teachers’ attitudes and competencies towards inclusive classrooms in sub-Saharan Africa. International Journal of Educational Studies, 8(3), 78–91.

Allen, K. A., Kern, M. L., Vella-Brodrick, D., Hattie, J., & Waters, L. (2021). What schools need to know about fostering school belonging: A meta-analysis. Educational Psychology Review, 33, 1–34. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-020-09545-8

Arnaiz-Sánchez, P., Escarbajal-Frutos, A., & De Haro-Rodríguez, R. (2023). Teacher training for inclusive education: Analysis of competencies and professional development. Sustainability, 15(2), 1574. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15021574

Capulong, M. C., Torres, D. J., & Jimenez, F. R. (2022). Lesson study as a catalyst for inclusive and innovative pedagogy in Philippine schools. Asia Pacific Education Review, 23(2), 233–248. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12564-021-09723-9

Florian, L., & Black-Hawkins, K. (2019). Using research to inform inclusive education: Learning from differences. Cambridge Journal of Education, 49(4), 385–400. https://doi.org/10.1080/0305764X.2019.1618102

Florian, L., & Spratt, J. (2023). The inclusive pedagogy approach in action: Research-based strategies for diversity in education. Springer.

Meyer, A., Rose, D. H., & Gordon, D. (2014). Universal design for learning: Theory and practice. CAST Professional Publishing.

Obi, P., & Yakubu, G. (2022). Inclusive education and national development: Examining the link between equity and sustainability in Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Education and Society, 9(1), 23–40.

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). (2023). Equity and inclusion in education: Policy lessons for quality learning. OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/9789264233560-en

Pather, S., & Agbenyega, J. (2022). Inclusive education in Africa: Contexts, challenges, and prospects. Routledge.

Schuelka, M. J., Johnstone, C. J., Thomas, G., & Artiles, A. J. (2023). The SAGE handbook of inclusion and diversity in education. SAGE Publications. Shakespeare, T. (2018). Disability: The basics. Routledge.

Sharma, U., & Salend, S. J. (2023). Inclusive education around the world: Trends, challenges, and prospects. Prospects, 52(3), 341–358. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11125-022-09634-1

Slee, R. (2022). Defining the scope of inclusive education: Policy, research and practice. International Journal of Inclusive Education, 26(3), 207–224. https://doi.org/10.1080/13603116.2020.1846793

Terzi, L., Unterhalter, E., & Suissa, J. (2025). Capabilities, values, and education: Reimagining inclusion through Amartya Sen’s framework. Oxford University Press.

UNESCO. (2023). Global education monitoring report 2023: Inclusion and education—All means all. UNESCO Publishing. https://www.unesco.org/reports/gem-report

UNESCO. (2024). Education for sustainable development: Building inclusive and equitable systems. UNESCO Publishing. https://www.unesco.org/reports

UNICEF. (2022). Reimagining education for inclusion and equity: The role of teachers and communities. UNICEF. https://www.unicef.org/education

United Nations. (2006). Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. United Nations. https://www.un.org/disabilities

Waisath, M., Collins, B., & Okeke, C. (2022). Policy frameworks and the pursuit of equitable education: A comparative analysis of inclusive practices. Journal of Comparative Education Policy, 14(1), 58–75.

World Bank. (2021). World development report 2021: Data for better lives. World Bank. https://doi.org/10.1596/978-1-4648-1619-0

World Bank. (2025). Learning for all: Inclusive education and equitable opportunities. World Bank Group.

Downloads

Published

2025-10-31

How to Cite

Oji, E. C., Thompson, E., & Umoh, S. (2025). An Overview of Inclusive Education and Its Significance for Equitable Learning Opportunities . The Special Educator, 24(2), 164–169. Retrieved from https://tspeducator.com/index.php/TSE/article/view/107