Minister reaffirms commitment to inclusive learning at Day of the Girl-child celebration
By Uji A. Iliyasu, Abuja
The Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad, has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting inclusive and equitable education for all Nigerian children, particularly girls and persons with disabilities.
She made this known on Thursday in Abuja at the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child commemoration organised by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), held at the Exclusive Serene Hotel, Wuye.
Delivering her keynote address at the event themed “Lead a Change: Learn Sign Language Today,” the Minister emphasised that the government would continue to remove barriers to learning and ensure that every girl—regardless of background or physical ability—has access to quality education, opportunity, and empowerment.
“The theme is not merely a slogan,” Professor Ahmad said. “It is a pledge that we will remove barriers, widen access, and ensure that every girl has a voice, a seat at the table, and a path to success in education and in life.”
She highlighted that the Federal Government, through UBEC, remains committed to inclusive education by expanding programmes that cater for learners with special needs. According to her, such programmes will include adaptive learning environments, the training of sign language interpreters, and the integration of sign language into teacher training curricula nationwide.
“Sign language is a bridge, not a barrier,” she stated. “It connects minds, shapes friendships, and unlocks futures. When a student can express themselves and be understood, classrooms become laboratories of confidence, collaboration, and creativity.”
The Minister commended UBEC for its continued drive towards ensuring that all children benefit from free, compulsory, and quality basic education. She also urged greater collaboration among government agencies, stakeholders, and educators to align policies and coordinate funding to strengthen pathways from basic to secondary and vocational education for girls.
During the event, a young visually impaired girl was symbolically appointed as “Minister for the Day” in recognition of the potential and leadership abilities of girls living with disabilities. Professor Ahmad described the gesture as a powerful symbol of inclusion and empowerment.
“Her presence is not merely ceremonial,” the Minister said. “It is a bold statement that ability is not defined by sight alone, and that leadership can and should be exercised by those who understand what it means to persevere and dream beyond constraints.”
She acknowledged that while progress has been recorded, many girls in Nigeria still face challenges such as poverty, stigma, and insecurity, which continue to hinder access to education. She, however, reaffirmed that the Ministry remains steadfast in addressing these obstacles through sustained policy reforms and targeted interventions.
“Today, we choose to lead a change again and again—by learning, by listening, and by acting together,” Professor Ahmad concluded. “May God bless our students, our educators, and our nation.”
The event brought together pupils from special and regular schools, representatives from various ministries and agencies, education stakeholders, and members of the UBEC management team, all united in reaffirming the nation’s commitment to inclusive and transformative education for every Nigerian girl.