The National Institute for Nigerian Languages (NINLAN), Aba, has signed an agreement with a Chinese technology company to develop keyboards with Nigerian language orthographs.
The Executive Director of NINLAN, Prof. Ogbonna Onuoha, announced this during the institute’s first matriculation of degree students at its Obikabia-Ovom campus near Aba on Friday.
He said, “We are partnering with a Chinese technology firm to develop specialised computer keyboards with indigenous language characters, to support reading, writing, and digital content creation in some Nigerian languages. The institute is also pioneering text-to-speech and speech-to-text applications powered by natural language processing algorithms to facilitate modern teaching, learning and research in Nigerian Languages. We have equally designed the NINLAN Nigerian Languages Online (NNLO) Programme, which, when launched, will deliver certificate and diploma programmes virtually to all interested persons.”
Prof. Onuoha explained that the initiative would serve Nigerians at home and abroad, including foreigners seeking to learn Nigerian languages for business, diplomatic, cultural, or career purposes.
The event marked the 7th matriculation of the institute with about 433 students, including its pioneer degree students.
He said NINLAN is affiliated with Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, to strengthen its position as a degree-awarding institution. He urged the students to be diligent, disciplined, and committed to scholarship ideals.
Acting Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Carol Arinze-Umobi, welcomed the students and wished them success. She said NINLAN, established in 1993, plays a unique role in research, teaching, and documentation of Nigerian languages.
Prof. Arinze-Umobi, represented by Prof. George Onwudiwe, warned students against cultism, truancy, examination malpractice, and forgery, stressing that culprits would face sanctions.
The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), Prof. Chijioke Okwelle, congratulated the institution and the students, describing them as pioneers carrying the honour and responsibility of being the first degree set.
He was represented by Dr. Sunday Ezeme, Provost of Federal College of Education, Ofeme, who assured that NCCE would continue to support NINLAN’s development.
JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, represented by Juliet Aniekwe, JAMB Coordinator for Abia State, urged the students to maintain good conduct and respect authorities.
One of the new students, Favour Godwin, studying English and Igbo Education, said she was excited about the environment and hoped to have an impactful learning experience. She encouraged other students to choose NINLAN for their studies.