The Federal Government has introduced a policy to institutionalise sign language teaching and learning across all basic education schools in Nigeria

The Federal Government has announced a new policy to institutionalise the teaching and learning of sign language in all basic education schools across Nigeria, as part of efforts to promote inclusive education and ensure that no child is left behind.

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The Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Aisha Garba, disclosed this on Thursday during the commemoration of the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child in Abuja. The event was themed: “Lead a Change: Learn Sign Language Today.”

Garba said the initiative underscores the government’s commitment to inclusion, particularly in the education and empowerment of girls, noting that the administration of President Bola Tinubu recognises education as “the great equaliser” with inclusion as its “backbone.”

She explained that the new policy would make sign language instruction compulsory within the basic education curriculum nationwide, creating communication-friendly learning environments for children with hearing impairments.

“We celebrate not only the potential of the girl 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,” Garba said.

“Today, we take that commitment a step further by championing the learning of sign language in our basic education schools. This does not downplay the challenges faced by persons with other disabilities; it simply demonstrates that we can make the world better for each other if we try.”

She added that a policy framework is already in place to institutionalise sign language education alongside infrastructure upgrades, including ramps and accessibility features for learners with physical disabilities.

“Imagine a country where hospitals, banks, supermarkets, airports and schools all have sign language interpreters — then we will have a system without communication barriers for our hearing-impaired children. That is the vision we are working toward, one school, one change at a time,” Garba said.

Also speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, reiterated the administration’s resolve to remove educational barriers and expand access for all learners, regardless of background or circumstance.

“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,” she said.

“Every girl deserves a voice, a seat at the table, and a path to success in education and life.”

Ahmad noted that inclusive education thrives when opportunity, support and belief intersect, urging schools and stakeholders to uphold equity and access nationwide.

Sign language education in Nigeria has gained momentum in recent years, driven by advocacy for inclusive communication and better access for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

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While Nigeria does not yet have a unified national sign language, American Sign Language (ASL) remains the most widely used in schools and among interpreters.