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FG Asked to Include Sign Language in Education Curriculum
FG Asked to Include Sign Language in Education Curriculum
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has been advised to include sign language in the nation’s education curriculum.
The call was made on Thursday by a
Non Governmental Organisation, Beta Nigeria at a stakeholders meeting in Abuja.
The Federal Lead Beta Nigeria Campaign (BNC), Abdulsalam Badamasi, made the call while taking questions from news men on Thursday in Abuja. Where various Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs), and other stakeholders came together to strategise on the best way to advocate for improved education in Nigeria.
Badamasi who took questions from newsmen after the event said they only want to amplify the voices of existing NGOs in the education sector. And ask for a curriculum review that will accommodate excluded persons.
Responding to the demand by the Disability Rights Advocate, Janet Talbat, that sign language be included in the nation’s education curriculum, he said: “Part of the performance bond that the (23 agenda) has something to do with review of curriculum and I think that’s the opportunity where we can put this request into place. And of course we are going to make sure that we put the issue of exclusion in the front burner so that everybody can be able to put in and support the excluded persons in the education conversation
He also said: “We are looking at a more improved advocacy for education through increased advocacy for education resources. We are bringing in new voices and in the process we are going to ensure that we call on our politicians, service providers, we will also call on partners and others to come together and see how we can increase Nigeria’s commitment and investment to education to a certain level.”
Maryam Uwais, who was the Special Advisor to President Muhammadu Buhari on Social Investments, advised Beta to be cautious of the people’s culture and religion in their campaign to bring more children and out of school children back to school.
She noted that: “The approach to engage in this issues is critical; when for instance we give the impression that Islamic education is not education is going to alienate the people who will want to bring the children into formal education. So we need to find words, the sensitivity, the culture and bring it into our own advocacy and campaign to engage with them and make them understand that it is just a different kind of education and that it’s critical for the children to go and thrive in this world.
Speaking on the importance of formal education, she said, “Today’s context insists that we must have the numerics and the alphabets. And a good understanding of that if we are going to even have skills. We need to sell our products in the market.
“So if we leave our children to just one form of education then they are going to be the ones that have been left out behind. There is so much to gian from formal education because the children will people to fall back to, they will build networks. A few year of formal education make a lot of difference in the life of a girl child, her family and her community.”
Janet Fasatan Talbat of Disability Rights Advocate (Ability Plus Initiative), used the opportunity to call on the organisers to convey her demand of including sign language in the nation’s basic education curriculum to the Minister of education to enable the deaf and those who can speak to communicate with ease.
She said: “As a deaf person I went to a primary school without sign language Teachers and today I have children who are going to school (without sign language teachers); we cannot communicate effectively because they are not being taught sign language. Please when you meet the Minister tell him to include sign language in our educational curriculum.”
FG Asked to Include Sign Language in Education Curriculum
Troops Rescue Two Kidnap Victims in Kogi
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued two kidnapped victims during a routine patrol in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Security sources said the operation took place at about 7:01 p.m. on April 30 when troops of 12 Brigade deployed at Okoloke Patrol Base intercepted suspected kidnappers at Ejiba community.
The sources disclosed that the troops acted swiftly, forcing the suspects to abandon their victims.
According to the sources, the two kidnapped persons were successfully rescued and later reunited with their families.
They added that security patrols have been intensified in the area to prevent further incidents and ensure the safety of residents.
Troops Rescue Two Kidnap Victims in Kogi
Nigeria Summons South Africa Envoy Over Renewed Anti-Foreigner Protests, Attacks on Nigerians
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has summoned the Acting High Commissioner of South Africa following mounting concerns over a fresh wave of anti-foreigner protests and reported attacks targeting Nigerian citizens and their businesses.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed that the envoy is expected at its headquarters in Abuja on Monday, May 4, 2026, where Nigerian authorities will formally register their strong displeasure over developments seen as threatening the long-standing diplomatic and economic ties between both countries.
At the heart of the meeting are recent demonstrations by various groups in South Africa, which have reportedly degenerated into harassment, violence, and destruction of foreign-owned businesses—many belonging to Nigerians. The incidents have triggered widespread anger among Nigerians, amid fears for the safety of thousands living and working in South Africa.
Spokesperson of the Ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa on Saturday said the government is deeply worried about the implications of the unrest on bilateral relations, stressing that Nigeria remains committed to protecting its citizens abroad while pursuing diplomatic solutions.
Despite the rising tension, the Federal Government urged Nigerians to remain calm, assuring that steps are being taken at the highest diplomatic levels to address the situation and ensure the safety and dignity of its nationals.
Nigeria and South Africa share one of Africa’s most strategic bilateral relationships, rooted in a history of solidarity dating back to Nigeria’s support for the anti-apartheid struggle. However, relations have repeatedly come under strain due to recurring outbreaks of xenophobic violence in South Africa.
Notably, major incidents in 2008, 2015, and 2019 saw widespread attacks on foreign nationals, including Nigerians, leading to deaths, looting, and destruction of properties. The 2019 crisis, in particular, sparked a diplomatic row, with Nigeria recalling its High Commissioner and boycotting the World Economic Forum on Africa 2019 in protest.
In response to past crises, both countries established diplomatic mechanisms, including an early warning system and joint consular forums, aimed at preventing further violence and protecting citizens. Despite these measures, sporadic tensions and anti-immigrant sentiments have persisted, often fueled by local grievances over unemployment and crime.
Analysts warned that the current developments, if not swiftly contained, could once again test diplomatic ties between Africa’s two largest economies and undermine regional integration efforts under frameworks such as the African Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The outcome of Monday’s meeting is therefore seen as crucial in determining whether both nations can de-escalate tensions and reaffirm their commitment to mutual respect, cooperation, and the protection of citizens on both sides.
Nigeria Summons South Africa Envoy Over Renewed Anti-Foreigner Protests, Attacks on Nigerians
Troops Rescue Injured Victim After Attack by Berom militia in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Safe Haven have rescued a civilian who sustained machete injuries following an attack by Berom militia along Bachi–Werreng Road in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 7:20 p.m. on May 1 when suspected criminals attacked the victim along the road.
The sources disclosed that troops of Sector 6, deployed at Bachi, swiftly responded to a distress call and moved to the scene.
According to the sources, the attackers fled upon the arrival of the troops, abandoning the injured victim.
They added that the victim, who sustained machete cuts, was immediately evacuated to a hospital in Rachi for medical treatment.
The sources further said the assailants carted away the victim’s motorcycle during the attack.
They noted that security patrols have been intensified in the area, while efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects.
Troops Rescue Injured Victim After Attack by Berom militia in Plateau
Troops Rescue Two Kidnap Victims in Kogi
Two Impostors in Military Uniform Arrested in Kaduna
Nigeria Summons South Africa Envoy Over Renewed Anti-Foreigner Protests, Attacks on Nigerians
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