Kwara State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Aminat El-Imam, has applauded the proposed launch of specialized school for children with autism in Ilorin tagged “Cadeau Spectrum Academy, established by Rose Hope Foundation (RHF) billed for December this year.
Dr El-Imam gave the applause while receiving the Academy Proprietor and Executive Director of the Rose Hope Foundation, Rose Afolabi in her office.
She stated that the project marks a major milestone in advancing care and inclusion for children with special needs across the state.
Dr. El-Imam noted that the establishment of Cadeau Spectrum Academy aligns with Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s inclusive vision, which promotes women-led initiatives that bring meaningful change to communities.
According to her, what the Rose Hope Foundation has done goes beyond awareness as it provides a lasting solution through education, therapy, and empowerment.
In her remark, the Academy Proprietor and Executive Director of the Rose Hope Foundation, Rose Afolabi, hinted that the school is designed to provide holistic education and therapy for children on the autism spectrum.
Afolabi, during her visit to the Commissioner’s office, described the project as a mission of hope, inclusion, and opportunity.
She noted that Cadeau Spectrum Academy was conceived to bridge the educational gap faced by children with autism and to challenge the deep-rooted stigma surrounding the condition in Nigeria.
The academy’s theme “Building Hope, Inclusion, and Opportunity for Children with Autism” reflects RHF’s vision of creating an environment where every child, regardless of condition, can learn, grow, and thrive.
She explained that the name Cadeau a French word meaning gift symbolizes the belief that every child is a unique gift with special abilities.
Afolabi pointed out that said the academy will go beyond academics by offering individualized learning, speech and language therapy, occupational and sensory integration therapy, behavioral support, and creative learning through art and technology.
The RHF Executive Director added that the school will also provide entrepreneurial and vocational programmes, particularly for children who may find conventional academics challenging.
Decrying the shortage of specialized schools for children with autism in Kwara and across Nigeria, Afolabi maintained that many such children are either confined to their homes or placed in regular schools that lack the facilities to cater to their needs.
She emphasized that Cadeau Spectrum Academy aims to fill this gap and serve as a model of inclusive education nationwide. Beyond teaching, it will promote autism awareness through community outreach, seminars, and parental support programs.
She also appealed for collaboration from government agencies, philanthropists, private organizations, and the media to sustain the project, noting that inclusion should be regarded as a right, not a privilege.
The Foundation revealed that the academy will partner with professional therapists, psychologists, educators, and medical experts to ensure holistic care for every child making it not only a school but also a potential research hub for autism in Nigeria.
The initiative, she said, is self-funded, inspired by her professional experience in U.S. nursing homes and her lifelong passion for supporting children with special needs.
The Foundation also plans to introduce a specialized curriculum that combines academics with life-skill development and professional caregiving.
While the school will be fee-paying, Afolabi assured that it will remain affordable and accessible to families from diverse backgrounds.
Also speaking, the Principal of the Kwara State School for Special Needs, Alhaji Abdulganiyi Olododo, lauded the Foundation for its foresight and dedication to inclusive education, pledging the institution’s full support.
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