Unilorin VC canvasses use of sign language

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Sulyman Abdulkareem, on Monday advised the staff and students of the institution to develop positive attitude toward the learning and usage of sign language to improve interpersonal relationships in the community.

Abdulkareem gave the advice at the opening of a workshop on sign language organised by the Centre for Supportive Services for the Deaf (CSSD).

According to the vice chancellor, sign language is an international language that enables the signers ample opportunity to communicate effectively with people across the world.

Abdulkareem advised members of the university community to endeavour to learn the culture of the deaf students in the community to break the communication barrier.

The vice-chancellor restated his administration’s determination to assist the CSSD, saying this explained why he gladly approved the request of six additional signers for employment recently.

He also said that the remarkable achievements of the CSSD informed the visit of an official delegation from Gallaudet University, Washington D. C., U.S.A., to the institution recently, with a mission to work out a collaborative agreement with the centre.

Abdulkareem urged the Department of Computer Science to carry out research on how a computer can translate the sign language into the intended word for easy and smooth communication.

In her remarks, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Sidikat Ijaiya, commended the vice-chancellor for his relentless support to the centre.

She appealed to staff and students to avail themselves of the opportunity the training would offer them.

The Dean, Faculty of Education, who was represented on the occasion by Dr Olufunmi Olaitan, the Head of the Department of Health Promotion and Environmental Health Education, described the training as a window of opportunity for participants to learn sign language.

Earlier, the Director of the Centre, Dr Ganiyu Bello, lauded Adulkareem for the swift approval of additional six signers for the centre.

He solicited further support in the areas of provision of permanent structure, utility vehicle, maintenance of equipment and prompt release of the approved budget for the CSSD.

Bello said that the centre had commenced free sign language training at the Faculty of Education.

In her lecture on the occasion, an Audiologist from the centre, Miss Abiola Ojelabi, warned students and staff to desist from exposing themselves to loud noise or constant use of ear phones, saying this could cause hearing impairment.

The workshop also featured practical training on sign language.