By Leonard Okachie
The Abia State Deaf Association (ABSDA) on Monday, urged the state government to include sign language as a compulsory subject at all levels of education in the state.
The association made this known in Umuahia, during a rally and advocacy, held as part of activities to mark its Deaf Awareness Week 2025.
The ABSDA Chairman, Mr Emenike Amakwe, made the request, when the group visited the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.
He noted that the inclusion of sign language into schools’ curriculum, would better facilitate the integration of deaf children into the society.
Amakwe said that such gesture would help them to rapidly gain access to education, communicate effectively, and ultimately, achieve their potentials.
He emphasised that making sign language compulsory, would promote understanding and acceptance of deaf culture, as well as reduce the tide of stigma and discrimination.
The chairman also called for the establishment of a boarding school for the deaf, which provides them with comprehensive education from primary to the secondary levels.
He said that such initiative would not only benefit deaf children, but also their families, who would no longer have to worry about their children’s education and well-being.
“Currently, many deaf children are forced to travel long distances to access education, and some are even forced to attend normal schools where they struggle to keep up.
“A boarding school will provide a supportive environment, ensuring that deaf children receive quality education and care,” he said.
The chairman expressed gratitude to the Commissioner, Mr Goodluck Ubochi, for facilitating the employment of many deaf teachers in the state, adding that the gesture had brought hope and dignity to the deaf community.
Amakwe also urged government to empower deaf athletes who had brought glory to the state by winning medals in national and international competitions.
He said this when the group earlier visited the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Chief Nwaobilor Ananaba.
“We humbly request that the budget allocated for deaf athletes, as well as for athletes with physical challenges, be made equal.
“All athletes, regardless of the nature of their disability, deserve equal support, recognition, and opportunities for sustainable livelihood,” he said.
In his response, the Education commissioner who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Uchechukwu Kalu, commended the group for the initiative.
Also, Ananaba, who was represented by Head of Administration in the ministry, Mrs Ifeyinwa JohnPedro, also commended the group for celebrating its week.
While reiterating the commitment of Gov. Alex Otti to promoting an inclusive society, they assured that the group’s concerns would be addressed,
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that members of the association also marched through major streets of Umuahia in their colourful uniform, for public sensitisation.
(NAN)
