Artificial Intelligence and Inclusive Practices in Special Needs Education: Opportunities, Challenges, and Future Directions

Rahima Ahmadu Ribadu; Bobboi Abubakar

doi:10.56201/wjimt.v10.no8.2026.pg208.220

📄 Download Paper

Artificial Intelligence and Inclusive Practices in Special Needs Education: Opportunities, Challenges, and Future Directions

Rahima Ahmadu Ribadu, Bobboi Abubakar

Abstract

This paper examines the opportunities, challenges, and future directions of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in promoting inclusive practices in special needs education, drawing on a review of contemporary global and Nigerian literature. The paper anchored on the Universal Design for Learning framework and the Technology Acceptance Model , which together provide theoretical grounding for inclusive instructional design and technology adoption in educational settings. It examines major AI applications in special needs education, including personalised learning, adaptive assessment, intelligent assistive technologies, Augmentative and Alternative Communication systems, predictive learning analytics, and AI-supported educational management. The paper further compares global experiences in AI integration with emerging developments within the Nigerian educational system, highlighting both achievements and implementation gaps. The paper concludes that AI possesses considerable potential to transform special needs education by improving accessibility, learner engagement, independent learning, and educational equity. Realising this potential, however, requires sustained investment in digital infrastructure, continuous professional development for teachers, responsible AI governance, inclusive educational policies, affordable assistive technologies, and increased indigenous research that addresses Nigeria's specific educational realities. The paper recommends stronger collaboration among government agencies, educational institutions, technology developers, researchers, and disability advocacy organisations to promote the ethical and equitable integration of AI into inclusive education, in support of Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) on inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning for all.

Keywords

Artificial IntelligenceSpecial Needs EducationInclusive EducationAssistive TechnologyUniversal Design for LearningNigeria

References

Adigun, O. T., Tijani, F. A., Haihambo, C. K., & Enock, S. L. (2025). Understanding pre-service teachers' intention to adopt and use artificial intelligence in Nigerian inclusive classrooms. Frontiers in Education, 10, Article 1519472. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2025.1519472 Bali, B., Garba, E. J., Ahmadu, A. S., Takwate, K. T., & Malgwi, Y. M. (2024). Analysis of emerging trends in artificial intelligence for education in Nigeria. Discover Artificial Intelligence, 4, Article 1. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44163-024-00163-y CAST. (2024). Universal Design for Learning guidelines version 3.0 [Graphic organizer]. https://udlguidelines.cast.org Cukurova, M. (2025). The interplay of learning, analytics, and artificial intelligence in education: A vision for hybrid intelligence. British Journal of Educational Technology, 56(2), 469– 488. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.13514 Davis, F. D. (1989). Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and user acceptance of information technology. MIS Quarterly, 13(3), 319–340. https://doi.org/10.2307/249008 Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy. (2024). National Artificial Intelligence Strategy . Federal Government of Nigeria. Federal Ministry of Education. (2023). National Policy on Inclusive Education in Nigeria. Federal Government of Nigeria. Federal Ministry of Education. (2024). Education for renewed hope: Roadmap for the Nigerian education sector (2024–2027). Federal Government of Nigeria. Federal Republic of Nigeria. (2014). National Policy on Education (6th ed.). Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council. Global Partnership for Education. (2024). Nigeria partnership compact 2024–2027. https://www.globalpartnership.org/content/nigeria-partnership-compact-2024 W., Bialik, M., & Fadel, C. (2019). Artificial intelligence in education: Promises and implications for teaching and learning. Center for Curriculum Redesign. Luckin, R., & Cukurova, M. (2019). Designing educational technologies in the age of AI: A learning sciences-driven approach. British Journal of Educational Technology, 50(6), 2824–2838. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.12861 National Information Technology Development Agency. (2023). National Digital Literacy Framework . NITDA. OECD. (2023). OECD digital education outlook 2023: Towards an effective digital education ecosystem. OECD Publishing. Ojokheta, K., & Omokhabi, A. A. (2024). Project initiatives on inclusive and equitable use of artificial intelligence in education: Lessons derivable for policy direction in Nigeria. COUNS-EDU: The International Journal of Counseling and Education, 8(3). https://doi.org/10.23916/0020230845430 Omede, A. A. (2016). Policy framework for inclusive education in Nigeria: Issues and challenges. Public Policy and Administration Research, 6(5), 33–38. Salas-Pilco, S. Z., Xiao, K., & Oshima, J. (2022). Artificial intelligence and new technologies in inclusive education for minority students: A systematic review. Sustainability, 14(20), Article 13572. https://doi.org/10.3390/su142013572 UNESCO. (2021). AI and education: Guidance for policy-makers. UNESCO. UNESCO. (2023). Guidance for generative AI in education and research. UNESCO. UNESCO. (2024). Global education monitoring report 2024: Leadership in education. UNESCO Publishing. UNESCO. (2025). Artificial intelligence in education. https://www.unesco.org/en/digital- education/artificial-intelligence UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education. (2024). Digital technologies for inclusive education: Recommendations for promoting an ICT-based learning environment for resource centres and schools. UNESCO IITE.

Artificial Intelligence and Inclusive Practices in Special Needs Education: Opportunities, Challenges, and Future Directions

Abstract

Keywords

References

More Articles from WORLD JOURNAL OF INNOVATION AND MODERN TECHNOLOGY