Lagos: The Regalo Hope Foundation (RHF) has called for stronger inclusive and collaborative approaches to education to reinforce shared responsibility for empowering learners across schools, institutions, and communities.
The Founder of RHF, Dr Chinenye Onuorah, alongside other participants, made the call on Thursday at the EduStake Conference 2026 in Lagos.
The conference, themed “Inclusive and Empowered Education”, attracted key stakeholders including the General Manager of the Lagos State Office of Disability Affairs (LASODA), Mrs Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, as well as students, teachers, and parents.
Onuorah noted that inclusive education was not a destination but a continuous commitment requiring sustained courage, collaboration, and consistency. She explained that since its inception in 2019, the annual conference had evolved into a collaborative space where educators, administrators, policymakers, and advocates exchange ideas.
She stressed that inclusive participation strengthens education systems and improves outcomes for learners across diverse communities. According to her, panel sessions were designed to move participants beyond theory into practical, context-aware action that translates access, equity, and empowerment into real classroom and community-level results.
Onuorah also celebrated graduates of the first Teachers’ Leadership Academy Associates, saying they had been equipped to lead, mentor, influence policies, and shape inclusive learning environments with empathy and professional integrity.
Delivering the keynote address, Mr Samuel James, Executive Director of Seams Deaf-Pro Foundation, emphasised that collaboration among teachers, parents, governments, and communities was vital for education development.
He said such collaboration would help create an enabling environment for every child to thrive, regardless of challenges.
“Diversity drives progress. Education must be human-centred and responsive, embracing visual thinkers, creative minds, and differently-abled learners to transform untapped potential into recognised brilliance. Impact requires listening, shared ownership, and action. Teachers are nation-builders, students are possibilities, and collaboration is the strongest curriculum shaping the next generation. Talent is everywhere. Opportunity is not. Our systems must recognise and nurture all forms of potential,” James said.
He added that inclusion should not mean adapting people to existing spaces but redesigning spaces so that everyone belongs from the onset.
Oyetunde-Lawal, one of the panelists, shared her experience, identifying attitudinal barriers as a major challenge to inclusivity in education.
She said: “To achieve inclusive and empowered education, we must collaborate. Overcoming attitudinal barriers and prioritising intentional planning and budgeting are essential for creating meaningful, lasting educational opportunities for all.”
Another panelist, Mrs Christy Nosa-Ihaza, Proprietor of Super Minds Nursery and Primary School, advised parents to invest in their wards, including those with physical challenges, to help them develop their potential.
“Parents should invest in their children, especially those with challenges, as every child has potential. Nurturing their abilities today ensures they grow into empowered and capable individuals tomorrow,” Nosa-Ihaza said.
Also speaking, Ayodele Adekunle, a leadership expert, urged participants to cultivate a mindset geared toward effecting positive changes in their environments.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of the 2026 RHF Legends Award to Mrs Alice M. Aniemeke, in recognition of her 25 years of service in the classroom. She was rewarded with ₦500,000 by RHF.
In addition, Princess Ashibuogwu received the RHF Heroes Award for Leadership.
The EduStake Conference 2026 also featured student competitions in current affairs and spelling, aimed at encouraging critical thinking and academic excellence among young learners.