Adequacy of Special Education Funding in Katsina State: A Case Study of Government Special Schools

This study examines the adequacy of government funding for special education schools in Katsina State, North West Nigeria. Adequate and predictable funding is a prerequisite for the provision of quality special education, encompassing teacher recruitment and retention, procurement of specialised materials, maintenance of accessible facilities, and delivery of related support services. In Katsina State, where special education competes with significant demands on limited public education budgets, questions of funding adequacy and resource allocation have direct implications for the educational outcomes of students with disabilities. Adopting a documentary analysis and case study approach, the study analyses three years of education budget documents, school financial records, and administrative reports from four government special schools in Katsina metropolis. In-depth interviews with school administrators and state education officials provide qualitative contextual data. Data are triangulated across documentary and interview sources to produce a comprehensive picture of funding flows, expenditure patterns, and resource gaps. The study examines funding adequacy relative to minimum standards prescribed in Nigeria's Special Education Policy. Findings are expected to reveal chronic underfunding, erratic release of approved allocations, and absence of ring-fenced budget lines for disability-specific resources. Recommendations include establishing a dedicated Special Education Development Fund in Katsina State and instituting annual independent audits of special education expenditure. Keywords: special education funding, Katsina State, government schools, resource allocation, disability policy.