TOP 10 BEST SPECIAL NEEDS SCHOOLS IN LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

Special needs schools are institutions that provide support for children with learning difficulties or impairments. Usually, they address and support the social, emotional, academic, and physical needs necessary to realize their full potential.

While every special needs school is a hero without a cape, this compilation factors in location, fees, reputation over the years, affordability, and diversity of support services for children with special needs. In no particular order, here are the top 10 best special needs schools in Lagos State.

• Marigold Special School

Marigold caters to kids with Down syndrome, dyslexia, ADHD, autism, mild, moderate, or severe cerebral palsy, and a variety of other special needs. The institution’s forte has to be providing academic support and diverse forms of therapy in a homey setting.

Equipped with a standard, child-safe physiotherapy gym, and year-round, affordable full-boarding support, every special needs child is set to experience comfort and record milestones at Marigold Special School.

Address: 5 Oluwo Street, Off Ikola Road by Mobil filling station, Ogungbayi stop, Alimosho, Lagos

• FOS ABA & Creative Centre

FOS, which means “We are the world’s light,” is a faith-based applied behavioral analysis (ABA) and creative center that provides creative activities for kids of various abilities and ABA diagnosis and therapy to children on the autism spectrum.

FOS is unique in incorporating creative exercises like chess, instruments, dancing, singing, and often swimming, among others. Giving every child unrestricted creative expression, irrespective of their special needs.

Address: Lekki, Eti-Osa 105102, Lagos

• Super Parent Foundation

The Super Parent Foundation empowers, trains, and educates special needs children through therapy, assistive technology, and educational resources.

The institution is committed to providing support and resources for parents of children with disabilities through counseling, training, networking opportunities, and access to resources. Taking it a step further, they also provide advocacy services, working with government agencies and other organizations to promote the rights and inclusion of children with special needs.

Address:  44 Shonola St, Ogba 101233, Lagos

• Modupe Cole Memorial Special Care

This is a special needs school that was originally started as a memorial NGO in 1967 by parents who wanted to emphasize the importance of caring for special needs children. Run by the state government, Modupe Cole Memorial provides preschool to secondary education, vocational training, and residential care to help individuals with disabilities develop skills and gain employment opportunities. 

With a team of professionals, the institution also provides physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and sensory integration therapy.

Address: 1, Saint Finbarrs College Road, Pako Bus Stop, opposite Taxi Park shared a fence with Federal College of Education (Technical, Akoka), Lagos

• Learning Support Academy

The Learning Support Academy caters to the assessment, evaluation, health, welfare, management, education, policy development, and change implementation needs of children with learning difficulties. 

They also plan and create IEP (individualized educational plan) resources to train guardians, parents, and teachers on standard intervention and support services, both online and offline. 

Address: 3, Ishola Street, Captain bus-stop Abuleegba Oke-Odo, 100001, Lagos

• Helping Hands Special School

Helping Hands Special School has an educational program tailored to the individual needs of each student and focuses on developing their academic, social, and life skills. The school also provides a range of therapeutic services, including speech therapy, occupational therapy, non-invasive neuro therapies, and physiotherapy, to help students improve their communication, motor, and sensory skills.

The school’s facilities include classrooms, a playground, a sensory room, a speech therapy room, and a computer room. The school has a team of experienced and qualified teachers and therapists who work closely with parents and caregivers to provide individualized care and support for each student.

Address: Plot 1072, A1 close, 4th Ave, Festac Town, Lagos

• Patrick Speech and Learning Centre

Patrick Speech and Learning Centre is a renowned disability school in Lagos that offers educational services and specialized programs for children living with autism and other neurodiversity in the country. 

The school has set the pace for other special needs schools to follow, both locally and internationally, with an unwavering commitment to serving and raising awareness about special needs. PSLC also provides scholarship opportunities for children with special needs.

Address: 13 Remi Fani-Kayode Ave, Ikeja GRA 101233, Ikeja, Lagos

• Leunamme Special Needs Academy

Leunamme Special Needs Academy provides academic instruction and therapy services, to help students improve their communication, motor, and sensory skills.

The academy also provides vocational training to help students acquire skills that will enable them to be independent and contribute to their communities. 

Address: Plot 49, Adeniyi Jones Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria.

• Anthos House

Anthos House is a unique special education institution dedicated to the academic development, functional skills, and integrated care and treatment of children with special needs. Anthos House provides her students with comprehensive, well-balanced, and pertinent learning programs that take into account their individual requirements and talents.

Address: 1, Platinum Way, opposite Jakande First Gate, Lekki Phase II, Lagos.

• KenMark Foundation

Kenmark Foundation is an organization that is committed to improving the lives of people with disabilities in Nigeria, particularly those with visual impairments. They provide access to assistive technology, vocational training, and rehabilitation services.

They also partner with companies and government agencies to raise awareness about disability issues and promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in society.

One of the foundation’s primary initiatives is its “Mobile Eye Clinic,” which provides free eye care services and eye surgeries to people in underserved communities throughout Nigeria. 

Address: 7, Alhaji Yaya Street, Ilasa, Oshodi-Isolo, Lagos

Finally, many special needs schools tend to cater to the vocational and behavioral needs of children with special needs, while others include academic and creative expressions in their curriculum. Hence, when trying to decide on the right special needs school, it’s important to look out for how their services can meet the individual needs of your child over time. 

We also recommend you do your own research before deciding which school is best for a child with special needs. 

What do you look out for when searching for a special needs school? 

Do let us know in the comments below.