Abuja, Nigeria – March 8, 2024
In a groundbreaking collaboration, the Nigeria National Association of the Deaf (NNAD) and TAF Africa proudly announce a transformative two-day summit titled “Empowering Deaf Learners: Advancing Quality Education through Nigerian Sign Language.” Scheduled for March 13th and 14th, 2024, this summit marks a crucial initiative aimed at addressing the persistent challenges faced by deaf learners within Nigeria’s educational system.
Deaf education in Nigeria has long grappled with systemic issues, hindering the complete integration and development of deaf individuals within the educational landscape. The lack of adequate resources, qualified educators, and accessibility to inclusive learning environments has posed significant barriers to the holistic development of deaf learners.
This upcoming summit serves as a pivotal platform for stakeholders, including educators, policymakers, advocates, and the wider community, to come together and delve into the core issues surrounding deaf education. The NNAD, in collaboration with TAF Africa, aims to underscore the critical role of inclusive communication in unlocking the potential of deaf learners, with a thematic focus on “Advancing Quality Education through Nigerian Sign Language.”
Despite commendable progress, challenges persist in the realm of deaf education in Nigeria. Many deaf students grapple with studying and engaging in the classroom due to a lack of access to skilled teachers fluent in Nigerian Sign Language (NSL). Additionally, the absence of educational resources available in Nigerian Sign Language, coupled with societal misconceptions about deafness, contributes to existing barriers. NNAD recognizes the urgency of addressing these issues to create an inclusive educational environment that empowers deaf learners to reach their full potential.
The summit promises to be a dynamic event featuring expert panels, workshops, and interactive sessions. This will provide a platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and the development of actionable strategies to enhance the quality of education for deaf individuals. The summit also offers an opportunity for stakeholders to engage with innovative solutions and best practices in deaf education, focusing on leveraging Nigerian Sign Language as a powerful tool for communication and learning.
Chidi Topaz Olujie, National President of NNAD, and Jake Epelle, CEO/Founder of TAF Africa and Convener of Disability Inclusion Nigeria, jointly signed the announcement. They call upon all stakeholders, including government agencies, educational institutions, non-profit groups, and the public, to rally behind this critical project. Together, they believe it is possible to remove the obstacles preventing deaf students from receiving a high-quality education, thereby promoting an inclusive society where everyone, regardless of ability, has the chance to succeed.
This summit is not just an event; it’s a rallying call for a more inclusive future where the barriers faced by deaf learners are dismantled, opening pathways to education and success.
#EmpowerDeafLearners #InclusiveEducation #DeafEducationSummit2024
