Federal Government vowed that it must ensure that disability inclusion is not an afterthought but a core principle across all sectors.
The Minister of state for Education, Prof Suwaiba Said Ahmed stated this on Monday in Abuja at the occasion to commemorate the 2025 International Day of the girl child.
According to her, government must align its policies, coordinate its funding, and synchronize programs so that a girl who begins her journey in primary school will have pathways that lead to secondary education, vocational training, and beyond.
“Today we choose to Lead a Change, again and again, by learning, by listening, and by acting together”.
“Let me acknowledge a critical reality we confront, while progress has been made, many girls still face obstacles such as poverty, stigma and safety concerns, today we gather to commemorate the International Year of the Girl Child 2025, a year that invites us to listen deeply, act boldly, and invest relentlessly in the futures of our girls”.
“Our theme, Lead a Change: Learn Sign Language Today, is not merely a slogan. It is a pledge that we will 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 said.
“To our girls, who navigate the world with unique challenges, I want you to know that doors of education are widening for you. We have heard your voices and your dreams are legitimate, your contributions invaluable, and your futures bright with possibility. You are the driving force of change”,
The Minister noted that 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 programs—ensuring adaptive learning environments, sign language interpretation where needed, and teaching methodologies that meet diverse learning needs”.
Sh further disclosed that sign language is a bridge, not a barrier and that connects minds, shapes friendships, and unlocks futures.
In her welcome remark, the Executive secretary UBEC, said, the renewed hope Agenda of the Federal Government has continued to invest so much in the Education and Empowerment of the Girl Child.
She disclosed that the recent Migration of the LUMINAH project to the Commission is a testament of its corroborative effort to Educate and empower the Nigerian Girl and this speaks true for the girl with disabilities.
“At the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), we recognize that education is the great equalizer, and inclusion is its backbone. That is why we are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure no child is left behind”, she said.
“The theme we choose is a clarion call, a bold and necessary reminder that inclusive communication is not just a courtesy, it is a right. And we 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 demonstrate that collectively we can make the world a better place for each other if we try”.
She reminded the public that a policy was already in place to institutionalize the teaching and learning of sign language in all basic education schools across Nigeria.
