National Convention: Chief Host Abba Isa Calls for Guaranteed Sign Language Rights in Nigeria
By Lanre Oloyede
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, has recommended key strategies to guarantee sign language rights in Nigeria.
Hon. Abba Isa delivered the recommendations as chief host at the National Convention on Nigerian Sign Language, organized by the Nigeria National Association of the Deaf (NNAD).
He reminded participants that sign language rights are not privileges but fundamental human rights and the key that unlocks the full enjoyment of human rights for Deaf persons.
He added that sign language is not just a means of communication but a culture, a heritage, and a symbol of equality and human dignity, urging that Nigeria must safeguard the linguistic identity and cultural diversity of Deaf people and other sign language users.
Speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the senior presidential aide recommended a series of measures to strengthen sign language recognition and access across the country:
Standardize and promote Nigerian Sign Language (NSL): develop and adopt a national framework to make NSL the unifying language for Deaf persons across Nigeria.
Integrate NSL in education: mandate sign language instruction in teacher-training programmes and expand access to qualified interpreters in schools and higher education.
Awareness and training: encourage public institutions, media houses, and service providers to include sign language interpretation and train staff on basic sign communication.
Policy and implementation: strengthen enforcement of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, with particular focus on linguistic rights, accessibility, and cultural preservation.
Hon. Abba Isa noted the convention’s timing as Nigeria joined the world in marking the International Day of Sign Languages under the theme, “No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights.” He said the theme underscores that sign language rights are central to dignity, equality, and full human rights for Deaf persons.
He commended NNAD for its leadership and resilience in advancing Deaf inclusion and reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to disability inclusion and equal opportunities in line with national law and international obligations.
As a key policy step, Hon. Abba Isa announced presidential approval for the establishment of the Federal College of Education (Special) in Dukku, Gombe State. Once operational, the college will train sign language teachers and interpreters and support inclusive education nationwide.
“Our goal is a Nigeria where Deaf people can sign anywhere — without barriers, without exclusion,” he said, urging convention participants to produce workable solutions to promote NSL in education, governance, and society.
The SSA’s office said it will continue to partner with NNAD, civil society, development partners, and stakeholders on initiatives in education, skills development, employment, and empowerment tailored to the Deaf community.
