The Minister of State for Education, Prof Suwaiba Ahmad, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to advancing inclusive education and expanding learning opportunities for disadvantaged girls across Nigeria.
She also called for the adoption of sign language in schools to bridge educational gaps and ensure that girls with disabilities are not left behind.
Prof Ahmad made the remarks at an event to commemorate the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child, organised by the Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, with the theme, “Lead a Change: Learn Sign Language Today.”
Describing the theme as both a call to action and a pledge, the minister said it was deliberately crafted to remove barriers to inclusion and widen access, ensuring that every girl, regardless of ability, background, or circumstance, has a voice, a seat at the table, and a path to success.
She noted that the commemoration reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to inclusive education, the rights of persons with disabilities, and the belief that every girl can thrive when given the right support and opportunities.
“To our girls, who navigate the world with unique challenges, I want you to know that doors of education are widening for you. Your dreams are legitimate, your contributions invaluable, and your futures bright with possibility,” Ahmad said.
She urged the training of more sign language interpreters, the introduction of sign language across teacher-training curricula, and the equipping of classrooms with tools to support visual-gestural communication.
According to her, “Sign language is a bridge, not a barrier. It connects minds, shapes friendships, and unlocks futures. We will train more sign language interpreters, introduce sign language across teacher-training curricula, and make it a recognised part of our national education framework.”
She further emphasised the need for coordination among government agencies and stakeholders to ensure that every girl’s educational journey, from primary to secondary and vocational levels, remains inclusive and uninterrupted.
“The Universal Basic Education Commission has a crucial mandate: to ensure that every child has access to free, compulsory, and quality basic education. We will continue to expand inclusive education programmes, ensuring adaptive learning environments, sign language interpretation where needed, and teaching methodologies that meet diverse learning needs,” she said.
Acknowledging ongoing challenges such as poverty, stigma, and safety concerns that continue to restrict girls’ access to education, the minister called for unified action and sustained policy alignment.
“Today, we choose to lead a change again and again, by learning, by listening, and by acting together,” she added.
The event brought together pupils from special-needs and regular schools, government officials, teachers, agency heads, and education advocates.