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FG to include sign language in basic school curriculum
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.
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 a compulsory part of the basic education curriculum nationwide, thereby 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 the teaching and learning of sign language in schools across the country, alongside physical infrastructure upgrades such as 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 Tinubu administration’s resolve to remove educational barriers and widen access for all learners, regardless of background, circumstance, or disability.
“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 stakeholders to uphold the values of equity and access in schools nationwide.
Sign language education in Nigeria has gained traction in recent years, driven by advocacy for inclusive communication and improved access for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
While Nigeria does not have a single, unified sign language, American Sign Language remains the most widely used in schools and among interpreters.
A Christian leader, identified as Markus Musa, has been k!lled by suspected Fulani bandits in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, amid continuing reprisal attacks in parts of the area.
According to security analyst, Zagazola Makana, Musa was reportedly on his way to attend a meeting of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) when he was ambushed at about 1:30 p.m. on Monday, September 14, 2026, between Rimi and Kaduno communities.
The victim was travelling on a motorcycle with his younger brother, Arum Musa, when suspected Fulani bandits attacked them.
The attackers reportedly shot Musa in the head, k!lling him, while his younger brother escaped unharmed.
The k!lling comes amid renewed tensions and reprisal attacks in Mangu, following a series of violent incidents involving farming and herding communities.
Troops of Sector 8, Sub-Sector 81, Operation ENDURING PEACE, responded to the incident and commenced fighting patrols and a manhunt for the assailants.
Security forces have continued to dominate the affected areas as efforts intensify to prevent further escalation and track down those responsible for the k!lling.
By Gloria Ikibah
Nigeria and India have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations, with trade, consular matters, education and cultural cooperation taking centre stage during talks between their foreign ministers in New Delhi.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, held bilateral discussions with India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr S. Jaishankar, on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit hosted by India.
The summit is being held under the theme, “Building Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
In a statement issued on Sunday, the minister’s Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Dr Magnus Eze, said the welfare of Nigerians living in India was among the major issues discussed by the two ministers.
A key concern was the situation of Nigerians who have overstayed their visas. Odumegwu-Ojukwu appealed to the Indian authorities for an extension of the existing amnesty arrangement to allow affected Nigerians to return home voluntarily without facing penalties.
The ministers also discussed the possibility of concluding a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons.
The proposed agreement would establish a framework for the humane and orderly transfer of eligible prisoners between Nigeria and India.
On economic relations, the two sides examined opportunities for increasing trade and investment, while stressing the importance of building stronger and mutually beneficial economic partnerships.
Education and cultural exchanges also featured in the discussions, with both countries recognising the sectors as important tools for strengthening people-to-people relations.
Greater cooperation in these areas, the statement said, is expected to promote mutual understanding while creating more opportunities for citizens of Nigeria and India.
The meeting formed part of Nigeria’s efforts to use its participation in the BRICS platform to strengthen bilateral partnerships, attract greater economic opportunities and advance South-South cooperation.
Nigeria’s engagement with India comes as both countries seek to broaden their areas of cooperation beyond traditional diplomatic relations, particularly in trade, investment, education and people-to-people exchanges.
By Gloria Ikibah
Nigeria is seeking to tap into India’s experience in technology and youth engagement as Vice-President Kashim Shettima leads the country’s delegation to the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
Vice President Shettima is representing President Bola Tinubu at the summit, where Nigeria is expected to pursue opportunities in trade, investment, agriculture, technology, manufacturing and industrial development.
The high-level Nigerian delegation includes the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole; Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; and Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal.
Nigeria became a BRICS partner country in January 2025 and has since used the platform to strengthen South-South cooperation and expand economic and diplomatic relations with major emerging economies.
A major focus of Nigeria’s engagement at the summit will be India’s progress in technology, artificial intelligence and the digital economy, particularly its approach to harnessing its large youthful population.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said India’s experience offered important lessons for Nigeria, especially in agriculture, the digital economy, artificial intelligence and the participation of women in the technology sector.
She said Nigeria was determined to learn from India’s expertise and its “greatest strength” in engaging young people to promote innovation, economic growth and inclusive development.
The minister stressed that India’s ability to deploy technology while creating opportunities for its youthful population could provide useful ideas for Nigeria as it seeks to expand its digital economy and create more opportunities for its young people.
Beyond technology and youth development, Nigeria is expected to use its participation in the BRICS Summit to strengthen economic ties with India and other emerging economies.
The country will also seek to attract investment and expand cooperation in agriculture, manufacturing and industrial development as it explores ways of turning its BRICS partnership into tangible economic opportunities.
Nigeria’s participation underscores the Federal Government’s broader push to deepen engagement with emerging economies and strengthen partnerships capable of supporting technology-driven growth and sustainable development.
Nigerian Army Speaks of Possible Attacks on Churches, Schools
Suspected Fulani Militias K!ll Christian Leader In Plateau
Nigeria-India Deepen Ties as Trade, Consular Issues Dominate BRICS Talks
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