Bridging policy and practice: Evaluating inclusive education for children with disabilities in Nasarawa State, Nigeria

<p><span>This article critically examines inclusive education practices for children with disabilities in Nasarawa State, Nigeria, highlighting the persistent gap between national policies and on-the-ground implementation. Despite Nigeria’s ratification of global frameworks like the Salamanca Statement and Sustainable Development Goal 4, inclusive education remains fragmented at the state level. Drawing on the <em>Nigerian Disability Act (2018)</em> and the <em>National Policy on Inclusive Education (2017)</em>, this policy-focused analysis evaluates</span><span> </span><span>how these instruments are applied in </span><span lang="EN-GB">three</span><span> selected schools based on their documented engagement with inclusive practices. Using a qualitative, policy-focused approach, the study synthesizes insights from policy documents, educational reports, and anecdotal stakeholder perspectives,</span><span> </span><span>including students with disabilities, parents, teachers, and community leaders.</span><span> </span><span>While</span><span> </span><span>NGO support, community-based initiatives, and faith-led programs have achieved some progress, the article identifies recurring barriers, including poor infrastructure, limited teacher training, weak policy enforcement, unreliable data, and societal stigma. The </span><span lang="EN-GB">article</span><span> concludes with strategic recommendations aimed at bridging policy and practice through increased budgetary allocation, targeted teacher training, robust monitoring systems, and active community engagement. Ultimately, it argues for a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach to create an inclusive education system that guarantees equitable learning opportunities for all children, regardless of ability. By addressing these systemic barriers, Nasarawa State can position itself as a model for inclusive education reform across Northern Nigeria and beyond.</span><span> </span><span>The study also acknowledges its reliance on secondary data as a limitation, recommending future empirical research with mixed methods.</span></p>