Oyo Pupils Showcase Sign Language Skills At Maiden Inter-School

Pupils from three schools in Oyo State demonstrated impressive proficiency in sign language at the maiden edition of the Goldenfinger Inter-School Sign Language Competition, an initiative aimed at promoting inclusion and equal learning opportunities for children.

Key Highlights:

• Three schools competed in a sign language contest in Oyo State.
• Lord Kiddies School emerged overall winner.
• Pupils showcased finger spelling and signing skills.
• Organisers promoted inclusion through sign language.
• Winners received prizes and certificates.

The competition, themed “Building a Future Where No Student Is Excluded,” brought together pupils from Lord Kiddies School, Oyo; Victory School, Ilora; and Calvary Crown School, Ilora, on Thursday to compete in various sign language exercises designed to encourage inclusive communication.

At the end of the contest, Lord Kiddies School, Abojupa Scheme, Oyo, emerged overall winner with 121 points, while Victory School, Ilora, finished second with 104 points. Calvary Crown School, Ilora, secured third place with 102 points.

Lord Kiddies School was represented by Ibrahim Adesewa and Ojo Esther, while Victory School featured Ojo Oladayo and Jayeola Daniel. Calvary Crown School was represented by Adegbola Mariam and Arinola Christianah.

Participants were assessed on their understanding and application of basic sign language skills, including finger spelling, accurate signing of commonly used words—particularly family-related terms such as father, mother, uncle and aunty—as well as speed, fluency and accuracy.

Founder of Goldenfinger, Badmus Adetola, said the competition was conceived to promote awareness of sign language and help build a society where communication barriers do not prevent any child from accessing quality education.

She described the initiative as more than a competition, saying it was designed to celebrate sign language, encourage effective communication and showcase the abilities of young learners.

“This initiative is to celebrate sign language, promote inclusion, encourage effective communication, inspire learning and showcase the remarkable abilities of young people.

“We want to create greater awareness of sign language and foster a society where no student is excluded because of communication barriers,” she said.

The event attracted education stakeholders, parents and advocates of inclusive education, including the Mother of the Day, Akhere Akran of the Agatha Obiageli Aghedo Memorial Foundation; Samuel James of Seams Deaf Pro Foundation; Olaoluwa Bayonle of Observer Signs Initiative; and Oyatoki Omolola of Johara Signs.

Speaking at the event, Akran commended the initiative, describing it as an important step towards promoting confidence among young learners and advancing inclusive education.

She praised Badmus for creating a platform that equips children with practical communication skills while encouraging equal opportunities for all learners.

Also speaking, the Special Guest of Honour, Olonade Adeola, emphasised the importance of learning different forms of communication, particularly sign language, as a means of fostering inclusion and bridging communication gaps between hearing and deaf communities.

She encouraged the pupils to remain committed to learning, describing sign language as an essential tool for promoting understanding and social integration.

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The winning team received a plaque, certificate of honour, sign language learning materials and a cash prize. The second-place team was presented with certificates, learning materials and cash prizes, while the third-place team received consolation prizes and certificates of honour.

All six participating pupils were also presented with cash gifts in recognition of their participation and commitment to promoting inclusive communication.

Also speaking, the Special Guest of Honour, Olonade Adeola, emphasised the importance of learning different forms of communication, particularly sign language, as a means of fostering inclusion and bridging communication gaps between hearing and deaf communities.

She encouraged the pupils to remain committed to learning, describing sign language as an essential tool for promoting understanding and social integration.

The winning team received a plaque, certificate of honour, sign language learning materials and a cash prize. The second-place team was presented with certificates, learning materials and cash prizes, while the third-place team received consolation prizes and certificates of honour.

All six participating pupils were also presented with cash gifts in recognition of their participation and commitment to promoting inclusive communication.