In a significant advocacy visit, the President of the Association of Sign Language Interpreters of Nigeria (ASLIN), Mr. Timothy Tinat, alongside a member of the National Executive Committee, met with Hon. (Dr.) Bashiru Dawodu, Chairman of the House Committee for Persons with Disabilities. Mr. Tinat extended heartfelt thanks to Dr. Dawodu for his continued dedication to enhancing the lives of Persons with Disabilities across Nigeria.
The visit centered on the need for formal recognition of sign language interpreters, as well as targeted professional development and support measures to improve their standing and effectiveness.
Mr. Tinat underscored the pivotal role interpreters play in fostering communication and inclusivity within Nigerian society, while also raising concerns about the challenges they face, including limited educational advancement, inadequate workplace safety, and an unbalanced compensation system. He highlighted the alarming trend of interpreters leaving Nigeria in search of better opportunities, cautioning that without urgent intervention, there may soon be a critical shortage of qualified interpreters in essential sectors.
The meeting included an invitation for Dr. Dawodu to attend ASLIN’s upcoming conference, themed “Mental Health and Emerging Trends in Sign Language Interpreting.” The conference will address key issues affecting the profession, encourage knowledge-sharing, and focus on the mental health and well-being of interpreters in Nigeria.
Dr. Dawodu responded by commending ASLIN’s proactive approach to advocacy. Drawing on his medical background and experiences in the United States, he expressed a deep appreciation for the role interpreters play in bridging communication gaps between the Deaf community and society at large. Dr. Dawodu reaffirmed his commitment to promoting the inclusion of interpreters within the National Assembly to enhance the representation of the Deaf in national discourse. He pledged his support for further legislative efforts aimed at empowering both the Deaf community and the interpreters who serve them.
This engagement marks a meaningful step forward in elevating the professional profile of sign language interpreters and recognizes their essential contributions to creating a more inclusive Nigeria.
Joining Mr. Tinat in the delegation were Mr. Collins Joseph, Secretary General; Mrs. Funke Martha Osadare, North Central Coordinator; and Mr. Abdulkadir Umar, North West Coordinator.
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