The Nigeria National Association of the Deaf (NNAD) has commended the Bauchi State Government for its sustained commitment to inclusive education and the welfare of learners with disabilities during a presidential working visit to the state.
The working visit, led by the National President of NNAD, Malam Haruna Muhammad Tsafe, formed part of the Association’s advocacy efforts to strengthen collaboration with key stakeholders on disability inclusion and quality education.
The delegation included Dr. Umar Tukur, a Board of Trustees member representing the North-East Zone and Lecturer at Gallaudet University, Washington DC, USA; Bashir Usman Kellumi, North-East Zonal Coordinator; Hon. Abdullahi Isma’il Ibrahim, National Public Relations Officer (NPRO), NNAD; Sagir Ibrahim Tilde, Assistant National Secretary General (ANSG), NNAD; Malam Suleiman Ahmed, Chairman of the Bauchi State Association of the Deaf (BSAD), alongside other national and state executives, disability advocates, and members of the Association.
As part of the visit, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Bauchi State Ministry of Education and toured the Special Education Centre, Yelwa. They expressed admiration for the school’s quality learning environment, facilities and the state government’s investment in the education of Deaf learners and other students with special needs.
Speaking during the visit, Malam Tsafe described the Special Education Centre as one of the best special education institutions NNAD has visited across the country. He praised the administration of Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed for creating a conducive environment for inclusive learning and reaffirmed NNAD’s commitment to advocating quality education and equal opportunities for Deaf persons and other persons with disabilities across Nigeria.
The delegation also congratulated the Principal of the Special Education Centre, Hajiya Jamila Salisu Garba, and the Deaf female students who emerged overall winners at the National ICT Competition, defeating hearing schools from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The NNAD President described the feat as a remarkable achievement that would inspire Deaf students nationwide to pursue excellence in education and technology.
Responding on behalf of the Commissioner for Education, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Ibrahim Ahmed, reaffirmed the Bauchi State Government’s commitment to inclusive education. He disclosed that the government continues to provide qualified teachers, teaching and learning materials, while also paying the NECO and JAMB examination fees for students with special needs to ensure equal access to educational opportunities.
Beyond the Ministry of Education, the NNAD delegation also visited the Bauchi State Agency for Persons with Disabilities to strengthen partnerships on disability inclusion, held an interactive session with members and executives of the Bauchi State Association of the Deaf, and paid a royal homage to the Emir of Bauchi, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr.) Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu, as part of activities marking the presidential working visit.
In recognition of academic excellence and to support the activities of its state chapter, the Nigeria National Association of the Deaf (NNAD) presented a cash donation of ₦0.2million to the Deaf female students of the Special Education Centre, Yelwa, who emerged winners of the National Girls in ICT Competition.
The Association also donated ₦0.1million to the Bauchi State Association of the Deaf (BSAD) to support office logistics and strengthen its operations. NNAD said the donations were aimed at rewarding excellence, encouraging greater participation of Deaf girls in science, technology and innovation, while enhancing the capacity of its state chapter to continue advocating for the rights and welfare of Deaf persons.
The Association reaffirmed its commitment to promoting inclusive education, celebrating outstanding achievements, and strengthening partnerships that advance the rights and opportunities of Deaf persons and other persons with disabilities across Nigeria.
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