Adopt Sign Language As Second Language, JAMB Registrar Urges FG
The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board(JAMB), Prof. Ish-aq Oloyede has urged the Federal Government to adopt the Nigerian Sign Language (NSL) as the second national official language.
Oloyede who was speaking at speaking at the first Africa Regional Conference on Equal Opportunity Of Access to Higher Education (ARCEAHED) held in Abuja on Tuesday, stated that adopting the language would be a major demonstration of empathy for the large number of Nigerians with hearing impairments.
He also called on the government to establish and attach to the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, a centre for supportive services for persons with disabilities with at least one branch in each geo-political zone of the federation.
“ The centre, with the assistance of bodies such as JAMB Equal Opportunity Group, would be able to attract appropriate technology and policies to make life and study easy for people with special needs. Centre, such as the FGN Supportive Services for the Deaf, located at the University of Ilorin and similar centres established by the Federal Ministry of Education should be reactivated and funded to achieve the lofty goals for which they were established,” he said.
He noted that the conference presented a significant opportunity for JAMB and various stakeholders within the education sector to gather vital insights on advancing inclusive education.
“Education remains the cornerstone of self-actualisation, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that every individual, regardless of his/her ability, has access to higher education.
“For this reason, JAMB is dedicated to fostering fora that facilitates discussions on innovative strategies to enhance educational opportunities for all citizens, particularly those with disabilities.
“I urge everyone present to engage thoughtfully, share constructive critiques, and collaborate on actionable steps to improve the educational landscape for persons with disabilities,” he said.
The registrar commended the Peter Okebukola-led JAMB Equal Opportunity Group for providing essential support for candidates with disabilities.
“ Permit me to, as always, appreciate my boss, Distinguished Prof. Peter Okebukola, once upon a time, Executive Secretary of National Universities Commission and Emeritus Professor of Science Education and ICT for the immense services being rendered pro-bono by himself and the team of highly dedicated renowned academics and technocrats.
“Many thanks to their efforts, these candidates can sit for the annual Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination with confidence, supported by dedicated desk officers who ensure that qualified candidates receive the admissions they rightfully deserve,” he said.
