In Maiduguri, a volunteer teacher at Yerwa Special Primary School has drawn attention for using sign language to break learning barriers for children with hearing impairments.
The teacher, 27-year-old Adamu Muhammad, was trained in UNICEF’s “Teaching at the Right Level” (TaRL) methodology, which helps educators assess pupils individually and teach according to their individual learning levels. The approach has enabled many of his students to master basic reading and writing.
However, Muhammad noticed that pupils with hearing loss were left out of phonics-based lessons. Determined to bridge the gap, he used his volunteer stipend to enrol in a sign language course. Within months, he was able to communicate effectively with the children, who are now forming sentences in Hausa and English and solving arithmetic problems.
“It is very challenging for children with hearing loss, but with sign language, I can now support them. Their progress nearly always brings me to tears,” he said.
UNICEF officials note that children with disabilities are disproportionately excluded from education in Nigeria, particularly in the conflict-affected northeast. A 2022 UNICEF report found that such children are 47% more likely to be out of primary school. However, Muhammad’s effort is proving very crucial in bridging the gap in his community.
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