The National President of Nigerian Institute of Translators and Interpreters (NITI), Professor Hafizu Miko Yakasai says the use of Nigerian languages for teaching science and technology would enhance economic potentials.
Professor Hafizu stated this while delivering a lecture to commemorate the International Translation Day, held at department of linguistics and foreign languages, Bayero University Kano.
According to him, the ability to plan sustainable economic development as well as promoting effective citizen empowerment and encouraging dialogue between people is totally dependent on language policies.
The National President explained that, the main purpose of translation and interpretation was to bring unity and connect nations for sustainable development, saying that, all technologically advanced countries developed their scientific and technological motivations using their respective languages.
He pointed out that the United Nations General Assembly had set aside 30th September as International day to be celebrated across the entire UN network, which marked a historic milestone for all professional translators and interpreters.
Professor Hafizu noted that the International Translation Day was declared to increase awareness about the translation industry and languages to play an essential part in our society’s growth.
He said the National Institute of Translators and Interpreters bill had scaled second reading at the National Assembly, if passed into law, the bill would ensure translation and interpretation was regulated in such a way that one would have to be registered as a member of the profession to practice.
The National President urged the federal government to expedite action for the speedy passage of the bill and to use translation as a means of breaking down language barriers to enhance national development.
The International translation day 2021 themed “United in Translation” witnessed large turn out of academicians including the Registrar Bayero University Kano, Dean school of post graduate studies BUK, lecturers and students from within and outside the state, journalists and the general public.
KHADIJAH ALIYU