By: Joshua Weng Chuwang
The Federal Government has introduced a policy that will institutionalise the teaching and learning of sign language in all basic education schools across Nigeria.
The Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Aisha Garba, disclosed this development during the International Day of the Girl Child celebration, themed “Lead a Change: Learn Sign Language Today,” on October 16, 2025.
She reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Government to ensuring inclusive education, especially for the girl child in the country, stressing that this administration is interested in empowering and educating the girl child.
“We celebrate not only the potential of the child but also reaffirm our collective responsibility to amplify her voice, protect her dignity, and equip her for leadership regardless of her abilities or challenges. Today, we take that commitment a step further by championing the learning of sign language in our basic education schools. This does not in any way downplay the challenges faced by persons living with other disabilities but demonstrates that collectively, we can make the world a better place for each other if we try.
“I would like to remind you that a policy is already in place to institutionalise the teaching and learning of sign language in all basic education schools across Nigeria. Imagine a country where hospitals, banks, supermarkets, airports, and indeed schools have sign language interpreters; then, you will have a system without communication barriers for our hearing-impaired children. That is the vision we are working towards – one school, one change, at a time,” she said.
The Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Ahmad, however, said that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration is dedicated to removing communication barriers, expanding access, and guaranteeing a voice for every girl child in the country. “Today, we are joined by pupils from special needs schools and regular schools, by colleagues from other ministries and heads of relevant agencies, by dedicated teachers, and by the entire UBEC family; together, we will reaffirm our shared conviction: talent does not wait for perfect conditions; it grows where opportunity, support, and belief come together,” she reiterated.
Teaching and learning sign language in Nigeria has been a major issue of concern, with stakeholders demanding official recognition of the Nigerian Sign Language. The sign language used in Nigeria presently is a collection of various sign languages globally, not a single, unified sign language as it should be.
