BY MUSA IDRIS UMAR, DECEMBER 08, 2025 | 08:45 PM
The University of Maiduguri Language Centre in partnership with the North East Development Commission, NEDC, has organized a two-day workshop on translation and interpretation for conflict reporting, humanitarian and medical aid, and legal proceedings in insurgency-affected areas.
The workshop is holding Monday and Tuesday, at the Muhammadu Indimi International Conference Centre, University of Maiduguri.
Day one activities include fundamentals of translation and interpretation, journalism and multilingual news translation, courtroom and legal interpretation, witness testimony and legal translation challenges, and a Q&A case study session.
Day two will feature arrival and recap of day one, medical interpretation and healthcare translation, law enforcement and police station interpretation, ethics and cultural sensitivity in translation, a panel discussion on best practices, certificate presentation, and closing remarks.
Chief host is Prof. Mohammed Laminu Mele, while Mohammed Goni Alkali, MD/CEO NEDC, serves as chairman of the occasion.
Hon. Sugun Mai Mele, commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, Borno State, is the guest of honor, with Prof. Nuhu Diraso Gapsiso as guest speaker.
In his welcome address, Prof. Jidda Hassan Jama'a highlighted the importance of the workshop.
He said the workshop ‘is critical for clear and ethical handling of communication and ensuring neutrality.’
‘It provides trainers with techniques in conflict reporting and gives journalists the opportunity to report accurately in conflict-affected areas,’ he added.
Jidda urged stakeholders to define their language skills for specific applications in the northeast.
Chief host, Prof. Mohammed Laminu Mele, represented by Prof. Mohammed Waziri, deputy vice chancellor academic, emphasized the role of language in translation and interpretation for conflict situations.
He appreciated the NEDC and UNIMAID Language Centre for organizing the training and encouraged participants to engage fully to navigate complexities in conflict reporting.
Prof. Waziri declared the workshop open and urged participants to share experiences during the sessions.
Guest speaker, Prof. Nuhu Diraso Gabsiso, addressed participants and stressed the role of media in effective communication.
‘The media connects people across with proper application of communication,’ he said.
Gabsiso noted that media breaks barriers, expands global reach, promotes inclusivity, and builds trust through interpretation.
‘Translation helps to reach audiences who do not understand specific languages, enhances clarity, accelerates market expansion, and enables live global events,’ he added.
He urged media organizations to apply editorial rules, report accurately, invest in skill development, and avoid stereotypes.
A representative of the commissioner of information and internal security also emphasized the crucial role of communication in addressing complexities in conflict areas.
He encouraged participants to engage actively, gain key takeaways, and share experiences.