Association Seeks Special School For The Deaf

The Nigerian National Association for the Deaf (NNAD), Abia State branch, has advocated the establishment of a special secondary school for the deaf in the state.

Its chairman, Emenike Amakwe, made the call during an interaction with LEADERSHIP during the celebration of the 2025 Sign Language Day in Umuahia, the state capital.

Amakwe stressed the need for the state government to introduce sign language in public schools to promote inclusivity and create a sense of belonging among its members.

He said that the establishment of such a school would provide opportunities for the deaf to further their education and achieve their lifelong educational ambitions.

Amakwe thanked Governor Alex Otti for including the deaf in the recent teachers’ recruitment in the state and assured him of the branch’s support.

The special assistant to the governor on Persons with Disabilities and chairman of the State Disability Commission, David Anyaele, stressed the importance of such a school.

“In the same manner that the state has a special school for the blind, it will also be important for it to have a school for the deaf for inclusivity,” he said.

Anyaele expressed confidence that, being education-minded and driven by his desire to provide equal educational opportunities for all, Otti will recognise the need for such a school.

The governor’s aide, who congratulated the members on the occasion, urged them to be mindful that “there is ability in disability” anytime they feel discouraged.