The National Institute for Nigerian Languages (NINLAN), Aba, Abia State, has made a major technological breakthrough. The Institute has partnered with a Chinese company to produce special computer keyboards that contain characters of Nigerian indigenous languages.
The Executive Director of NINLAN, Professor Ogbonna Onuoha, a professor of Linguistics and Nigerian Languages, revealed this during the first matriculation ceremony for the Institute’s pioneer degree students, in affiliation with Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State.
Professor Onuoha explained that the new keyboards will make it easier to read, write, and create digital content in some Nigerian languages.
He said: “We are also pushing forward with technology by creating specialized computer keyboards with Nigerian language characters, in partnership with a Chinese firm. Beyond that, we are developing text-to-speech and speech-to-text applications powered by natural language processing. These will improve modern teaching, learning, and research in Nigerian languages.”
The Director also announced that NINLAN has designed the Nigerian Languages Online (NNLO) Programme. Once launched, it will allow Nigerians at home and abroad, as well as foreigners, to take certificate and diploma programmes virtually. The aim is to help people gain proficiency in Nigerian languages for business, careers, diplomacy, or cultural reasons.
He added that the Institute has already started cultural programmes in Ibibio and Annang, and is finalizing agreements with speakers of Nupe, Obolo, Tiv, Idoma, and Igede languages for their further development.
Professor Onuoha praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for transforming NINLAN to its present status. He also commended the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Ahmad, and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, for supporting the growth of the Institute.
The NINLAN Executive Director urged the new students to avoid exam malpractice, cultism, hooliganism, truancy, and laziness. Instead, he advised them to focus on their studies and use the opportunities at NINLAN to excel and become ambassadors of their languages.
Professor Paulinus Chijioke Okwelle, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), said NINLAN holds a special place in Nigeria’s education system.
“In a country like Nigeria, where many languages and cultures exist, teaching and preserving our indigenous languages is not just an academic task but a patriotic duty,” he stated.
He added that by starting its NCE programmes, NINLAN has placed itself firmly at the center of teacher education in the country.
