By Mustafa Abubakar
A Professor of Educational Psychology at the Department of Social Science Education, University of Ilorin, Olabisi B. Olawuyi, has called for the formalisation of sign language interpreting as a profession to improve standards and ensure consistent and high-quality service delivery.
Prof. Olawuyi made the call penultimate Wednesday (April 23, 2025) at a 3-day In-House Training for the University’s interpreters, organised by the Centre for Students with Special Needs (CSSN).
She said, “In view of the importance of sign language interpreters as essential service providers in the university system, Sign language interpreting should be formalised as a profession to improve standards and ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery”, she said.
Speaking on the topic, “The Importance of Sign Language Interpreters in Inclusive Higher Education”, Prof. Olawuyi, who was represented by the Centre’s Deputy Director (Administration), Dr Olaolu Isarinade, also called for a clear distinction between special education teachers and sign language interpreters, as their functions and training differ.
While calling for formal academic qualifications as requirement for admission into the interpreting profession, she also suggested the establishment of a dedicated organisation by the government to train and certify professional sign language interpreters.
To ensure effective service delivery, Prof. Olawuyi called for the employment of more interpreters into the nation’s higher institutions, recommending a ratio of one interpreter to two students, particularly in mainstream settings.
Prof. Olawuyi advocated that Sign language interpreters should be recognised as part of the academic community, stressing that the minimum academic qualification for interpreters should be a Bachelor’s degree, which will enable their integration into university structures.
According to her, the work of interpreters extends beyond the classroom into all areas of student life, therefore, interpreters should be properly remunerated, including the full implementation of the 15 percent special allowance approved by the Federal Government.
In his message, the Dean, Faculty of Education, Prof. Yahaya Lasiele Yusuf, represented by a Professor of Guidance and Counsellor Education, Irene A. Durosaro, appreciated the efforts of the Centre, especially in sustaining scholarship that will assist both the staff and the students of the Centre.
While urging them to sustain the efforts, the Dean assured them of the Faculty’s continuous support.
Earlier in her opening remarks, the Director of the Centre, Prof. Taiwo Ambali, while thanking God and appreciating the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Egbewole, SAN and the Dean of the Faculty for the approval to organise the training, disclosed that the training is the 4th in the series of the Centre’s programme.
Prof. Ambali said, “Sign Language like any other language is dynamic, revolving and experiencing changes with time, so for our interpreters to be current with the new innovation that is ongoing in the world, interpreters need to update their skills in sign language. Therefore today’s training is very important, especially to the Centre’s interpreters.”
