Role of Non-Governmental Organisations in Supporting Special Education in North East Nigeria

This study examines the role of non-governmental organisations in supporting special education service delivery in North East Nigeria. Non-governmental organisations have historically played a significant role in filling service gaps in environments where government capacity is limited, and in the North East, where years of insecurity have severely disrupted formal education systems, their contributions to special education have been particularly critical. Using a descriptive qualitative design, the study conducts semi-structured interviews with programme officers from fifteen non-governmental organisations operating special education or disability-inclusive programmes across Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States. Document review of programme reports and strategic plans provides additional data. Thematic analysis is used to identify common themes around organisational roles, funding models, government coordination, and sustainability challenges. The study investigates specific contributions in areas including teacher training, materials provision, early identification, family support, and advocacy. Findings are expected to reveal that non-governmental organisations fill critical gaps but operate in fragmented, poorly coordinated, and financially precarious ways that undermine programme sustainability. Recommendations include establishing a government-led coordination mechanism for special education non-governmental organisation engagement in North East Nigeria and developing joint accountability frameworks to improve documentation of outcomes. Keywords: non-governmental organisations, special education, North East Nigeria, disability services, humanitarian education.