FG to include sign language in basic school curriculum

Nigeria’s Federal Government Moves to Institutionalize Sign Language in Basic Education

In a landmark policy shift aimed at fostering inclusive education across Nigeria, the Federal Government has announced the integration of sign language into the national basic school curriculum.

This initiative, unveiled during the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child celebration in Abuja, marks a significant stride toward eliminating communication barriers for children with hearing impairments and promoting equity in learning environments.

The announcement was made by Aisha Garba, Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), who emphasized that the new policy will make sign language instruction a compulsory component of basic education nationwide. 

Themed “Lead a Change: Learn Sign Language Today,” the event underscored the administration’s commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind, regardless of physical ability or circumstance.

Garba highlighted that the administration of President Bola Tinubu views education as “the great equaliser,” with inclusion as its “backbone.” She elaborated that the policy framework is already in place to institutionalize sign language teaching, alongside infrastructural upgrades such as ramps and other accessibility features for learners with physical disabilities. The vision, she said, is to create a Nigeria where hospitals, banks, supermarkets, airports, and schools are equipped with sign language interpreters, ushering in a society free of communication barriers for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, also spoke at the event, reaffirming the government’s resolve to remove educational barriers and widen access for all learners. She stressed that inclusive education thrives when opportunity, support, and belief intersect, and called on stakeholders to uphold the values of equity and access in schools across the country.

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

The government’s move to formalize sign language education is expected to catalyze further development of localized sign language systems and training programs for educators.

This policy initiative is not only a response to the growing advocacy for inclusive communication but also a testament to Nigeria’s evolving educational landscape, one that increasingly recognizes the rights and potential of every learner.

As the country takes this bold step, it sets a precedent for other nations in the region to follow, reaffirming that inclusion is not just a goal but a shared responsibility.