The Federal Government has revealed that it has put in place a policy to institutionalize the teaching and learning of sign language in all basic education schools across Nigeria.

Executive Secretary of Universal Basic Education Commission, Aisha Garba, made this known on Thursday during commemoration of the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child, with the theme: “Lead a Change: Learn Sign Language Today.”

She also reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Government to inclusive education, especially the education of girls in the country, noting that the government has continued to invest so much in the education and empowerment of the girl child.

Garba said the government recognized that education is the great equalizer, and inclusion is its backbone; hence, it is working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure no child is left behind.

According to her, the theme of the celebration was a clarion call, a bold and necessary reminder that inclusive communication is not just a courtesy, but a right and that government must ensure that every girl, including the hearing-impaired, is seen, heard, and empowered to lead change.

“We celebrate not only the potential of the girl child, but we 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 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 institutionalize 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.

“Our restructuring policy makes it mandatory for schools to include ramps and other accessibility structures, ensuring that children with physical disabilities can move with dignity and ease,” she stated.

Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Ahmad, on her part, said the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would do all it could to remove barriers, widen access, and ensure that every girl, regardless of ability, background, or circumstance, has a voice, a seat at the table, and a path to success in education and life.

“This moment reaffirms our nation’s commitment to inclusive education, to the rights of persons with disabilities, and to the expansive potential of every girl learner.

“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 stated.

Teaching and learning sign language in Nigeria have gained significant attention in recent years, driven by the need to promote inclusive education and communication for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Nigerian Sign Language is not a single, unified language, but rather a collection of various sign languages, with American Sign Language being widely adopted in educational institutions and by sign language interpreters. (The PUNCH)