• Kalambaina Industrial Layout Wammako LGA Sokoto State, Nigeria
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B.Ed. Special Needs Education

HomeUndergraduateB.Ed. Special Needs Education

About The Program

Northwest University, Sokoto, was established in 2022 with a mission to promote inclusive, innovative, and globally competitive higher education. In fulfilment of this mission, the University commenced academic activities with two pioneering programmes, one of which was the Special Needs Education Programme under the Faculty of Education. The programme was conceived to address the growing need for qualified professionals capable of meeting the diverse educational requirements of learners with disabilities in Nigeria and beyond. It was developed in line with global best practices and national education priorities, including the provision of equitable access to quality education for all.

Since its inception, the Special Needs Education Programme has attracted students committed to advancing inclusive educational practices. The department has continued to invest in academic excellence through qualified faculty, tailored curriculum, and experiential learning opportunities, preparing graduates to become skilled educators, advocates, and leaders in the field of special education.

The Philosophy of the programmes in Education is aimed at achieving the goals and objectives of the National Policy on Education. The national philosophy is in turn based on the following general aspirations of Nigeria as contained in Section 1 Paragraph 3 of the National Policy on Education:

  1. a free and democratic society;
  2. a just and egalitarian society;
  3. a united, strong and self-reliant nation;
  4. a great and dynamic economy; and
  5. a land of bright and full opportunities for all citizens.

To be a leading centre of excellence in special and inclusive education, committed to producing competent, compassionate, and innovative educators who promote equitable access to quality education for all learners.

The mission of the Department of Special Education is to train professionally qualified teachers and specialists through quality teaching, research, and practical engagement, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and ethical values required to address diverse learning needs, advance inclusive education, and contribute to national and global educational development.

  1. respect for the worth and dignity of the individual;
  2. faith in man’s ability to make rational decisions;
  3. moral and spiritual values in inter-personal and human relations;
  4. respect for the dignity of labour and promotion of the emotional, physical and psychological health of all children;
  1. shared responsibility for the common good of society;
  2. the inculcation of national consciousness and national unity;
  3. the inculcation of the right type of values and attitudes for the survival of the individual and the Nigerian Society; and
  4. the training of the mind in the understanding of the world around and the acquisition of appropriate skills, abilities and competences both mental and physical as equipment for the individual to live in and contribute to the development of his society.

The general objective of Education and Training should be in consonance with the realisation of national needs and aspirations vis-à-vis personal and national development.  The graduates must therefore be resourceful, creative, and knowledgeable and should be able to:  

  1. demonstrate prospective teachers with proper leadership qualities;
  2. exhibit the knowledge, skills and attitudes which will enable them to contribute to the growth and development of their communities in particular and their nation in general;
  3. be able to exhibit sound mastery of their subject areas and the ability to impart such knowledge to their students;
  4. professionally show mastery of problem-solving skills;
  5. be highly motivated, conscientious and efficient classroom teachers for all levels of our Educational System;
  6. be able to fit into the social life of the community and society at large and enhance their commitment to national objectives;
  7. internalize the intellectual and professional background, adequate for their alignment and to make them adaptable to any changing situation, not only in the life of their country but in the wide world;
  8. demonstrate the spirit of enquiry, creativity and entrepreneurship in teachers;
  9. enhance commitment to the teaching profession; and
  10. apply the skills in the use of new technologies.

Employment Skills

Graduates of the B.Ed. Special Needs Education programme acquire the following employment-relevant skills:

  1. Ability to identify, assess, and address diverse learning needs using appropriate diagnostic and instructional methods.

  2. Skills in curriculum adaptation and development of individualized education programmes (IEPs).

  3. Proficiency in inclusive teaching strategies for learners with physical, sensory, intellectual, and behavioural challenges.

  4. Competence in the use of assistive and adaptive technologies, including braille and sign language.

  5. Classroom management and behaviour modification skills in inclusive and special education settings.

  6. Effective communication, counselling, and collaboration skills for working with parents, caregivers, and multidisciplinary teams.

  7. Research, documentation, and reporting skills relevant to educational planning and evaluation.

  8. Advocacy and leadership skills for promoting the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities.

  9. Ethical and professional conduct skills required in educational and rehabilitation environments.

4 -Year Programme

General University Requirements, Plus

  1. Five (5) credits at G.C.E. ‘O’ Level, SSCE or NECO including English Language and Mathematics for the 4 – year (8-Semester) programme.
  2. Six (6) credits at two sittings including English Language and three other humanities or social sciences and Science courses.
Direct Entry
  1. C.E. with credit passes in Education and any other Arts or Social Sciences subject;
  2. National Diploma at Credit level in Education and any other subject in Arts or Social Sciences or its equivalents.

Inter-University Transfer

Students wishing to transfer from other recognized universities into the Department of Special Education, Northwest University, Sokoto, may be considered if they:
  1. Have completed at least one academic session in their current institution.
  2. Possess a CGPA not less than 2.00 on a 5-point scale.
  3. Meet the minimum entry requirements for the B.Ed. Special Education programme.
  4. Are transferring from accredited programmes recognized by the NUC.
  5. Complete all necessary University transfer documentation and approvals as stipulated by the University Senate.

Graduates of the programme are expected to:

  1. Demonstrate a deep understanding of the psychological, social, and educational needs of learners with disabilities.
  2. Apply specialized instructional techniques and strategies suitable for diverse categories of learners.
  3. Use diagnostic and remedial tools to identify and address learning challenges.
  4. Integrate inclusive education principles into mainstream classroom settings.
  5. Serve as advocates for persons with disabilities in their communities and workplaces.
  6. Conduct research and contribute to policy and programme development in special and inclusive education.

  • Strong emphasis on inclusive education, aligned with national policies and global best practices.

  • Practical training in assessment, diagnosis, and individualized education planning (IEP).

  • Exposure to sign language, braille literacy, and assistive/adaptive technologies.

  • Integration of teaching practice, practicum, and field-based experiences in special and inclusive schools.

  • Focus on advocacy, equity, and the rights of persons with disabilities.

  • Interdisciplinary approach that promotes collaboration with educators, health professionals, and caregivers.

  • Curriculum designed in line with NUC Benchmark Minimum Academic Standards.

  • Experienced and dedicated academic staff committed to mentorship and professional development.

  • Preparation for diverse career pathways and postgraduate studies in special and inclusive education.

  1. A full-time student will normally be required to register for a maximum of 24 credit units in each semester;
  2. A student shall pass a minimum of 130/120 credit units for the four-year programme or 100/90 credit units for the three-year programme including all the compulsory courses; and
  3. A student must have obtained a minimum CGPA of 1.00.

Program Courses

100 Level

Course Code TitleUnit
GST 111

Communication in English Language

2 Credits

GST 112

Nigerian Peoples and Culture

2 Credits

AMS 101

Principles of Management

2 Credits

AMS 102

Basic Mathematics

2 Credits

AMS 103

Introduction to Computing

2 Credits

AMS 104

Principles of Project Management

2 Credits

ACC 101

Introduction to Financial Accounting I

3 Credits

ACC 102

Introduction to Financial Accounting II

3 Credits

NWUS-ACC 104

Principles of Islamic Accounting

3 Credits

NWUS-ACC 105

Introduction to Finance

3 Credits

NWUS-ACC 106

Islamic Financial System

3 Credits

Course Code TitleUnit
GST 212

Philosophy, Logic, and Human Existence

2 Credits

ENT 211

Entrepreneurship and Innovation

2 Credits

ACC 201

Financial Accounting I 

3 Credits

ACC 202

Financial Accounting II

3 Credits

ACC 203

Corporate Governance & Accounting Ethics

3 Credits

ACC 204

Cost Accounting

3 Credits

ACC 206

Accounting Laboratory

3 Credits

NWUS-ACC 207

Business Law

2 Credits

NWUS-ACC 208

Statistics

2 Credits

NWUS -ACC 209

Element of Banking

2 Credits

NWUS -ACC 210

Agricultural Accounting

2 Credits

NWUS -ACC 204

Oil and Gas Accounting

2

Course Code TitleUnit

GST 312

Peace and Conflict Resolution

2 Credits

ENT 312

Venture Creation

2 Credits

ACC 301

Financial Reporting  I

3 Credits

ACC 302

Financial Reporting II

3 Credits

ACC 303

Management Accounting

3 Credits

ACC 305

Taxation I

3 Credits

ACC 306

Taxation II

3 Credits

ACC 307

Auditing and Assurance I

3 Credits

ACC 308

Public Sector Accounting & Reporting

3 Credits

ACC 311

Entrepreneurship in Accounting

3 Credits

NWUS-ACC 309

Quantitative Analysis

2 Credits

NWUS-ACC 312

Corporate Law

2 Credits

NWUS-ACC 313

Research Methodology

2 Credits

Course Code TitleUnit

ACC 401

Advanced Financial Reporting

3 Credits

ACC 402

Corporate Reporting

3 Credits

ACC 403

Auditing and Assurance II

3 Credits

ACC 404

Financial Management

3 Credits

ACC 405

Bankruptcy & Liquidation

3 Credits

NWUS -ACC 406

Forensic Accounting

2 Credits

NWUS -ACC 407

Human Resources Accounting

2 Credits

NWUS -ACC 408

Environmental accounting

2Credits

NWUS -ACC 409

International Accounting

2 Credits

NWUS -ACC 410

Management Information System

2 Credits

NWUS -ACC 411

Capital Market Studies

2 Credits

ACC 490

Project

6 Credits