UNILORIN set to host landmark international translation day celebration, conference
By Idris Alooma and Bashir Dawodu
The University of Ilorin is set to host a landmark event, the 2025 International Translation Day and Conference themed “Leveraging Translation/Interpretation in the 21st Century for the Transformation of Education, Governance, Religion, Agriculture, and Healthcare.”
This was disclosed by the Director of the Institute of Translation Arts, University of Ilorin, and National President of the Nigerian Institute of Translators and Interpreters (NITI), Dr Aliy Abdulwahid Adebisi, in an interview with the UNILORIN Bulletin.
Dr Adebisi said the conference promises to be a groundbreaking moment in the history of translation studies, with the attendance of the renowned scholars and industry professionals.
He added that the programme is scheduled to hold from November 5 to 8, 2025, at the University of Ilorin, and will gather scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to discuss the evolving role of translation in national development and global cooperation.
He opined that translators and interpreters are the bridge-builders of understanding in our world, preserving languages, cultures, and identities.
He also emphasised that the conference will feature a keynote address, lead paper presentations, and panel discussions on various aspects of translation and interpretation, including Artificial Intelligence, digital communication, conflict resolution, and indigenous literature.
Dr Adebisi explained that some of the specific sets of discussions will include translation in education, governance and translation, religion and translation, agriculture and translation, and healthcare and translation. In the area of education, the conference will explore the role of translation in transforming education and promoting inclusivity. It will also discuss the impact of translation on governance and policy-making, examining how translation can shape the way governments communicate with citizens and implement policies.
He stressed that the conference will examine the role of translation in promoting interfaith understanding and dialogue, investigating the potential of translation in improving agricultural practices and food security, and discussing the critical role of translation in healthcare and medical research.
Dr Adebisi said that the event promises to be a celebration of past achievements and a bold step into the future of the profession.
He added that the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole (SAN), has expressed his support for the conference, which is being organised in collaboration with NITI and the Institute of Translation Arts, UNILORIN.
Dr Adebisi noted that this conference would be a testament to UNILORIN’s commitment to academic excellence and research, and its role in shaping the future of education in Nigeria.
