At the heart of a transformative vision for Nigeria, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has taken a bold stance for inclusivity, calling for the adoption of Nigerian Sign Language (NSL) as the country’s second official national language.
In his address at the inaugural African Regional Conference on Equal Opportunity of Access to Higher Education (ARCEAHED) in Abuja, JAMB Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede underscored the importance of this step in recognizing the millions of Nigerians with hearing impairments.
For Prof. Oloyede, this proposal is not just about linguistic inclusion but a profound show of empathy. “Adopting NSL as a national language would be a major demonstration of solidarity with our compatriots who have hearing impairments,” he said, highlighting how such a move would bring Nigeria closer to true equality.
This progressive idea was presented alongside calls for enhanced support for people with disabilities (PWDs) through well-equipped centers across all geopolitical zones, tied to the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities. Oloyede emphasized the need for more sophisticated technologies and resources to make education accessible, particularly through tools like sign language interpreters and smartphones capable of converting text to speech for the visually impaired.
Prof. Oloyede’s message goes beyond mere rhetoric; it represents a push for tangible progress. He urged federal institutions, such as the Supportive Services for the Deaf at the University of Ilorin, to be reactivated and funded. These initiatives, he believes, would play a crucial role in ensuring equal opportunities for PWDs in education, facilitating not only admission but retention, success, and career development.
The Honorable Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, echoed these sentiments, stating that the conference marks a pivotal moment in Africa’s quest for inclusive education. The theme, “Advancing the Potentials of Persons with Disabilities in Educational and Economic Development,” speaks directly to a shared mission: to ensure that all individuals, regardless of ability, can thrive and contribute to their communities.
In closing, the call to action is clear. “It is the collective responsibility of governments, academic institutions, and civil society to ensure that persons with disabilities are not left behind,” Dr. Sununu remarked. By championing initiatives like the adoption of NSL and the establishment of well-equipped centers, Nigeria can lead the way toward a more inclusive future, where every citizen has the opportunity to shine.
