NLDSTC 2025: Breaking Down Barriers And Exceeding Expectations

The just-concluded Nigerian Languages Data and Sci-Tech Conference (NLDSTC 2025), with the theme, Nigerian Languages in the Global Context: Highlighting Developmental Efforts and Challenges, distinguished itself from previous editions and other virtual language conferences in Nigeria. With an impressive lineup of reputable speakers and a diverse pool of participants from across the globe, this year’s conference placed strong emphasis on representation, impact, and value.

As usual, the virtual conference, which featured 30 sessions via Zoom, ran from the 18th of August to the 22nd of August, 2025 and also streamed live on YouTube, thus making the sessions accessible for participants who could not join in real time. Sessions were delivered in various Nigerian languages, including Fulfude, Hausa, Igbo, Naija (Nigerian Pidgin), and Yorùbá. The keynote sessions, delivered in English, were interpreted live into different Nigerian languages and sign language by volunteer interpreters.

Unlike the previous conferences, NLDSTC 2025 received more than 200 registrations. The participants also grew from the previous events, with over 250 members from more than five countries. Each session had an average attendance of 20 participants on the Zoom platform, while additional viewers joined the sessions live on YouTube. The majority of attendees were Nigerians, including Nigerians in diaspora and individuals from other countries.

The keynote sessions were delivered by Christian Elongué, the founder and CEO of Kabod Group, and Ijemma Onwuzuluike, the co-founder of Nkọwa okwu. Our keynote speakers highlighted the importance of quality language services in economic development and community contributions in building reliable and advanced tools for language development. Nine sessions out of 30 were delivered in indigenous Nigerian languages. There were 4 workshop sessions, which included using ChatGPT for translation, typing in indigenous languages, building a LinkedIn profile as a language professional, and using Sabbi, a web application for data collection and documentation.

After the conference, participants and speakers were presented with digital certificates. Awards were given to the most engaging participants and participants with the most session attendance. Participants with the most attendance received free training from the Kabod Group, one of the sponsors of NLDSTC 2025, while Alámọ̀já Yorùbá sponsored the compensation for volunteer interpreters and airtime to participants. Speakers who presented in indigenous languages were reimbursed the sum of ₦5,000, and the most engaged participants also got airtime gifts.

Although insufficient funding posed a major challenge, we relied on personal funds from the convener and support from Alámọ̀já Yorùbá to make the conference possible. With proper funding, we can expand publicity and engagement, upgrade our event hosting platform, engage more interpreters, and include sign language interpretation for most sessions. Adequate funding would also allow us to offer better awards to highly engaged participants. We are therefore seeking more collaborations and sponsorships for future editions. We plan to host the first in-person conference next year, and every form of support will be deeply appreciated.

The Nigerian Languages Data and Sci-Tech Conference continues to stand as one of the pioneering initiatives advancing language development and inclusion in Nigeria. By creating a space for interaction, learning, and collaboration, we are breaking down linguistic and technological barriers to the growth of Nigerian languages, especially the lesser-known ones. We look forward to making an even greater impact in the next edition and covering more of Nigeria’s diverse languages.

See you in 2026!