ASLIN South-South Conference 2026: Daniel Christian on Sign Language, Inclusion & Advocacy in Nigeria

One Profession, One Voice: Advancing Sign Language Interpreting for National Development.

Sign language interpretation is more than a profession, it is a bridge that connects people, promotes accessibility, and creates opportunities for meaningful participation in society. Yet, despite its importance, conversations around professional sign language interpreting and Deaf inclusion in Nigeria are often overlooked.

To contribute to this conversation, I sat down with Daniel Christian, Chairperson of the Association of Sign Language Interpreters of Nigeria (ASLIN), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, for an in-depth discussion about the upcoming ASLIN South-South Zonal Conference 2026 and the broader issues shaping sign language interpretation, inclusion, advocacy, and leadership in Nigeria.

While the conference served as the starting point of our discussion, the conversation extended far beyond the event itself. We explored the importance of professional standards in sign language interpreting, the role interpreters play in promoting accessibility, the need for stronger advocacy, and why collaboration remains essential in building a more inclusive society.

The conference is themed:

One Profession, One Voice: Advancing Sign Language Interpreting for National Development.

That theme reflects more than a conference slogan, it speaks to a collective responsibility to strengthen the profession, improve accessibility, and ensure that Deaf individuals have equitable access to communication, education, healthcare, employment, and public life.

What You'll Learn

In this conversation, Daniel Christian shares insights on:

• The vision behind the ASLIN South-South Zonal Conference 2026.
• Why professional sign language interpreters are essential to an inclusive society.
• The challenges and opportunities facing the interpreting profession in Nigeria.
• Advocacy efforts aimed at improving accessibility for Deaf communities.
• The importance of collaboration among interpreters, institutions, governments, and communities.
• How inclusion contributes to national development.

Whether you're a sign language interpreter, a member of the Deaf community, a policymaker, an educator, a student, or simply someone passionate about accessibility and inclusion, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on the future of sign language interpreting in Nigeria.

Watch the full conversation below. You can also listen while you work, commute, or browse. Simply press play on the embedded video.

Join the Conversation

What are your thoughts on the future of sign language interpreting and accessibility in Nigeria?

Click here to Share your perspective in the YouTube Comments. Your ideas and experiences contribute to the broader conversation about building a more inclusive society.

If you found this discussion valuable, consider sharing it with colleagues, friends, educators, interpreters, advocates, and anyone interested in accessibility and inclusion.

About the Guest

Daniel Christian is the Chairperson of the Association of Sign Language Interpreters of Nigeria (ASLIN), Akwa Ibom State Chapter. His work focuses on advancing the interpreting profession while promoting accessibility, inclusion, and advocacy for Deaf communities through leadership, collaboration, and professional development.

About the Author

Fikayo Ajayi is a technology professional, entrepreneur, and digital creator passionate about using technology, media, and storytelling to educate, inform, and inspire. Through conversations like this, he explores ideas that drive innovation, accessibility, entrepreneurship, leadership, and social impact.

 

Active Exploitation of Microsoft SharePoint Server (CVE-2026-45659)

By Fikayo Ajayi

Introduction

In July 2026, cybersecurity teams began paying close attention to a Microsoft SharePoint Server vulnerability known as CVE-2026-45659. 

What made this incident significant was not just the vulnerability itself, but the fact that attackers started exploiting it in real environments shortly after organizations had been given the opportunity to patch it.

As I reviewed the reports from Microsoft and CISA, one thing stood out clearly: many successful attacks were not the result of sophisticated hacking techniques alone. 

They happened because vulnerable systems were left unpatched.

What Happened?

Microsoft SharePoint Server is used by many organizations for document management and collaboration. 

Because it often stores sensitive business information and connects with other enterprise services, it becomes an attractive target for attackers.

The vulnerability, CVE-2026-45659, allows an authenticated user to execute arbitrary code on a vulnerable SharePoint Server through insecure deserialization. 

Although valid credentials are required, the attacker does not need full administrative privileges to begin the attack.

How the Attack Worked

From the information available, the attack sequence looked something like this:

Conceptual Attack Flow

What I find important here is that the attacker did not need to start with complete control of the system. A normal user account was enough to trigger the vulnerability.

Why the Impact Was Serious

Once arbitrary code execution was achieved, the SharePoint server could be used for much more than accessing documents.

An attacker could potentially:

• Install malware or ransomware

• Steal confidential files

• Harvest additional credentials

• Create persistent backdoors

• Move laterally to other systems

• Disrupt business operations

Because SharePoint often interacts with identity services and internal networks, compromising it can open the door to broader attacks across the organization.

My Analysis

Looking at this incident as a cybersecurity student and aspiring threat intelligence analyst, I believe the biggest lesson is that patch management remains one of the strongest defenses available.

Microsoft released a security update before exploitation became widespread. Organizations that applied the update promptly were in a much safer position than those that delayed.

I also think this incident challenges the assumption that authenticated users are automatically trustworthy. If an attacker obtains valid credentials through phishing, credential stuffing, or another compromise, a software vulnerability can allow them to go far beyond the permissions originally assigned to that account.

What Organizations Should Do

To reduce the risk of similar incidents, organizations should:

• Apply security patches quickly

• Enforce Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

• Limit user privileges

• Monitor SharePoint logs for suspicious activity

• Deploy Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tools

• Conduct regular vulnerability assessments

• Test incident response procedures

Conclusion

The exploitation of CVE-2026-45659 is a reminder that attackers are constantly looking for systems that organizations have not fully secured. 

In many cases, the difference between a protected environment and a compromised one is simply whether a known patch was applied in time.

For me, the most valuable takeaway from this incident is that cybersecurity is not only about detecting attacks after they happen. 

It is equally about maintaining strong security practices before attackers get the opportunity.

References: 

Microsoft Security Advisory 

CISA KEV Catalog CVE-2026-45659

The Hacker News. SharePoint RCE CVE-2026-45659 Added to CISA KEV After Active Exploitation (July 2, 2026)

Mr Observer’s 30-Day Sign Language Challenge Is Getting More Nigerians to Learn Sign Language and Embrace Inclusion

What starts as two signs a day can end up changing how people see the world.

For over a decade, Bayonle Olaloluwa widely known as Mr Observer has been quietly doing the work: teaching, interpreting, and advocating for a more inclusive society. But in 2020, in the middle of a global pause, he started something that refused to stay small.

The 30-Day Sign Language Challenge.

What began as a simple idea has now grown into a yearly movement, one that is connecting communities, building confidence, and proving that communication should never be a privilege.

In this conversation, he shares the journey, the impact, and the deeper purpose behind it all. 

I'm Fikayo Ajayi and I have here today; Mr Bayonle Olaloluwa popularly known as Mr Observer. It's good to have you here sir
You are known in the Deaf Community but I need you to answer this question first; Who is Mr. Observer beyond the titles and introduce yourself to the new audience

I am Bayonle Olaoluwa, and first, I am a Sign Language Interpreter, a Deaf Educator and an advocate for Inclusion of People Living With Disabilities (PWDs) with over 10 years of experience in the Deaf Community.

But more than that, I see myself as a bridge, someone committed to connecting the hearing and Deaf communities, and creating spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

My journey is driven by a strong belief that communication is a right, not a privilege. So everything I do revolves around breaking barriers, raising awareness, and empowering others through sign language.

And for those meeting me for the first time, I’m someone who genuinely believe that even the smallest effort to learn can make a huge difference. I believe that's brief enough.
Interesting. Thanks for that intro, and yes, your decade of works has been speaking for you. Welldone Mr Observer

Thank you great greatly 

What's a normal day in your life as a deaf educator and advocate?
A normal day for me is a mix of teaching, learning, and advocating. 

It's either I am having physical session engaging my deaf pupils or engaging adult students taking sign language classes or having some engagement virtually with my sign language students or taking classes myself.

But beyond that, I also spend time creating content, raising awareness, and planning initiatives that promote inclusion and sign language learning.

Some days, it’s meetings, trainings, or community engagement. Other days, it’s just reaching one person and helping them understand the Deaf community better.

Truly, no two days are exactly the same but every day is centered around one goal which is breaking communication barriers and making the world more inclusive.

That means, you don't go a day without being you as an Educator, Advocate, Interpreter
It has honestly become difficult to go a day without expressing myself in these roles as they’re now a part of who I am. 

However, I’m also intentional about balance. I make sure to take compulsory off days, some time to rest, recharge, and step away from the work. That way, I can show up better, stronger, and more effective in all that I do.
Yes o. That's necessary. Rest and Recharge 

Everyone has a story right!?, how their journey in Sign Langauge started. Some are CODAs, some are SODAs, right?!
Some just pick interest in it at a young age or later on in life as they grow. For example, for me the Journey started in church and because of my love for languages and passion for people. I know many people will be interested in how your Journey into sign Language and deaf advocacy started. Tell us
Interestingly, I’m neither a CODA nor a SODA. My journey started at the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo. 

I usually describe it as an “accidental career” because growing up, I never saw myself in this path. It wasn’t something I planned.

But as I got exposed to sign language and the Deaf community, something changed. The interest grew, the passion deepened, and what started almost by chance became a strong purpose for me.

Over time, that spark has now turned into a calling and that’s what has kept me going in Sign Language and Deaf Education and Advocacy

Was there a defining moment that made you say , "This is what I want to do”?
I would say the defining moment was during my teaching practice. 

That was the first time I truly saw the impact of what I was doing. I was awarded Best Student Teacher and even got retained by the school and for me, that was a turning point.

It made me realize that even though I felt like I was just starting, there was already a level of excellence in me. That moment gave me clarity and confidence that this is not just something I can do, but something I’m meant to do.
Hmmmm. Clarity! What many crave for in today's world. The Industry is so blessed to have you 

What challenges did you face early on that people don’t see today? and How has being a special educator shaped your perspective?

One of the major challenges I faced early on was truly understanding Deaf culture. I realized that just knowing how to sign wasn’t enough to be an effective communicator.

At the beginning, I was just signing, but I knew there was more. I wanted to get to a point where I could sit with a Deaf person and fully understand them, naturally and confidently.

So I immersed myself in learning sign language like my life depended on it. It wasn’t easy. it took time, patience, and a lot of intentional effort. (By the way, I am still learning)

But that journey shaped me deeply. Being a Deaf and special educator has changed my perspective. I’ve learned to listen without sound, to be more patient, more observant(just like my name), and more intentional in how I communicate. It has made me not just a better teacher, but a better human being overall.
I see what you did there😁

Quick One: Was that where you coined your nickname from?
Oh no. The nickname actually came before the challenge. ‘Observer Signs’ was already something I identified with, and the initiative was built around that identity. As you will know that  Sign language relies heavily on observation-facial expressions, body movement, and some other visual components- so the name reflects the mindset needed to truly communicate effectively visually.
True. That make sense 

When did you start the 30-Day Sign Language Challenge?
The 30 days challenge stated in the COVID 19 year. May 2020. 

The 30-Day Sign Language Challenge is a yearly thing right? How many times does it happen in a year?
Yes, it is a yearly online challenge. It happens once in a year- every May 1st- 30th of every year. 

What inspired the idea?
The idea was inspired by God, but also by a clear gap I noticed in the community. There are many people who can sign, but they don’t always have a platform to express or share their knowledge. At the same time, there are people eager to learn, yet they struggle to find accessible, Nigerian-based sign language content (especially). 

So the 30 Days Sign Language Challenge was created to bridge that gap by giving signers a voice, helping learners access relevant content, and gradually building a kind of online dictionary while building a Community that signs
Hmmm. You really thought this through. Lovely and you've answered my next question already 

At the time you started, what problem were you trying to solve?
I have said some part but let me add to that; at the start, I was focused on solving three key problems: lack of community, lack of accessible learning resources, and low awareness. 

So the challenge was designed to build a strong signing community, create a kind of living sign language dictionary through daily content, connect signers with learners, and ultimately make communication with the deaf community more accessible.
Thanks for adding to that 

Did you expect it to grow into a community movement? I feel like it has gone bigger, the input for the upcoming challenge which is starting May 1st has been massive. So many people wants to be involved, wants to participate
To be honest, no. I didn’t fully expect it to become this big. I believed in the idea, but the level of turnout surprised me. Even in the first year, during COVID, there was a noticeable surge in participation and acceptance. 

Since then, it’s grown year after year, and now, seeing how many people want to be part of the upcoming challenge, it really feels like a movement, not just a challenge.
I know right?! 😃 Even the newbies who are looking at learning kept asking me how they can join the Challenge... I mean "the movement"😊
I saw the whole energy, I had to start sharing the community link again and I believe it will get bigger than this. This is just the beginning. 

Throughout the years of doing this challenge, have you had any funny or unexpected video you’ve seen from participants?
So many. I can’t even start listing them. But those funny and unexpected moments are part of what makes the challenge enjoyable. 

However, sometimes, I and my team steps in to take down some videos so it doesn't mislead learners.
Yeahhh. That's necessary, Proper Monitoring and vetting should be done. 

Have there been any emotional moments that stayed with you?
Yes, definitely. One of the most emotional things for me is seeing the level of commitment from participants; people who start the challenge and stay consistent all the way to the end.

I’ve also seen real connections come out of it. There have been cases where someone gets recommended for a job simply because of a video they shared, either on my page or theirs. 

It’s inspiring because I can actually see their growth, confidence, and dedication over time. Those moments truly stay with me.
Awesome 

How has the challenge impacted the deaf community and hearing participants?
It’s been really impactful. For the deaf community, there’s more visibility, more representation, and a stronger sense that people are making an effort to communicate inclusively. 

For hearing participants, it’s been a learning and mindset shift. They are learning signs and  becoming more aware and more confident in engaging with deaf individuals.

So it is learning a skill and building understanding on both sides.

 

I know there are a lot of process that goes into organizing this challenge every year, for me personally I see what you and the team are doing in the community, not to talk of what is going on in the background or behind the scene, what does it take to organize this challenge every year?
It’s quite a process, honestly. There’s a lot that happens behind the scenes; from planning the daily content and structuring the challenge, to engaging participants and managing the WhatsApp community 

We also spend time reviewing videos, giving feedback, and making sure everyone feels supported throughout the journey.

And I have to say, it really takes a dedicated team. Their consistency and commitment are a big part of why the challenge runs successfully every time.
Shout out to your Team🥂 and Welldone
 

What’s the hardest part of running it?
The most challenging part is keeping the momentum going for everyone. Starting is easy, but helping participants stay consistent for 30 days takes a lot of effort.

Constant engagement, encouragement, and follow-up.
Right! Consistency is not easy but It's the key to winning. If everyone understand that deeply, it will brigde a litte gap. I've seen you follow up with participants in some of the previous editions. It's commendable👍

Have you ever felt like stopping? What kept you going?
There have been difficult moments, yes. But what keeps me going is the impact - seeing people grow, learn, and stay committed. That alone makes it worth continuing.
 

Mr Observer, If sign language were a ‘superpower,’ what would yours be?
Mine will be the power to break communication barriers completely and make understanding flow naturally between the deaf and Hearing Community.
Yeah? Taking away the struggle of Communication
 

Throughout your 10 years of being in the space, interpreting and advocating; I know you've met with a lot of top people in different sectors. If you had to teach a celebrity sign language, who would it be and why?
I’d love to teach Don Jazzy. 

He has a huge influence across music and pop culture, and I believe that influence can help take sign language awareness much further. If someone like him embraces it publicly, it would significantly increase visibility and acceptance. 
Like I knew that was who you were going to mention 😅😁🤟
Yeah, Definitely. Don Baba is a good choice 

(Chuckles....😝😝)

What are your top 5 must-learn signs for beginners?
For beginners, learn to say your Name, then Hello, Thank you, Sorry and Please.

What should first-time participants expect in this year's edition?
It’s from May 1st to May 30th, and for first-time participants, they should expect an exciting and immersive experience. 

For me, It’s not just about learning sign language; it’s about building consistency, joining a community, and gaining confidence in real communication. By the end of May, many participants will feel a noticeable difference in the way they communicate and interact with the deaf community.

How can someone join the challenge?
To join the challenge, the first step is to become part of our community. 

Once you’re in, participants are guided through a structured daily process. Each person is expected to teach their audience two signs every day by creating short, simple videos and posting them on their social media platforms.

To maintain visibility and connection, we use official hashtags like #30DaysSignLanguageChallenge, #LittleButCount, #ObserverSigns, and #SignLanguage, and participants are encouraged to tag or collaborate with @observersigns depending on the platform.

We also encourage creativity- making the content engaging, visually appealing, and valuable enough that people can still learn from it even years later. We recommend simple editing tools like CapCut or InShot, and even basic captions to improve clarity.

Accuracy is also important, so participants are guided on correct sign formation, and if they are unsure, they can seek clarification or learn first before posting.

Overall, the focus is consistency, creativity, inclusion, and community engagement. It’s not just about posting; it’s about learning, teaching, and building a shared experience every day.

 

What advice would you give to someone who feels shy about participating?
I’d tell them it’s okay to be shy, but don’t let it stop you. Growth starts the moment you begin, and the community is there to support you every step of the way.

Once again, drop the hashtag(s) people should follow and use?
Participants should use #30DaysSignLanguageChallenge, along with #LittleButCount, #ObserverSigns, and #SignLanguage to stay connected and build visibility within the community.
 

Where do you see this challenge in the next 5 years?
In the next five years, I see it becoming a large-scale learning movement and a structured platform for sign language education, helping to bridge communication gaps and promote inclusion globally.

 

What’s your bigger dream for sign language awareness in Nigeria?
My bigger dream is for sign language to become widely recognized and respected in Nigeria, to the point where basic knowledge of it is common among hearing people.

I want a society where a deaf person can walk into any space and still communicate comfortably without barriers or isolation.

In the long run, I see a Nigeria where inclusion is intentional, and sign language is part of everyday education and culture
That's what we are all advocating for. And we hope one day, we will have a Nigeria of our Dream. Thank You For setting the foundation for others

 

If you could change one thing about how society treats the deaf community, what would it be?
I would change the perception. I want society to stop treating the deaf community as people who need pity, and instead recognize them as equal members of society who simply communicate differently. 

That shift in mindset would lead to more inclusion, more respect, and better opportunities.
Yeah. That! It's everywhere. The society needs more sensitisation

Okay. we have come to the end but before we end our session, I want to know this; Personally, for you. What does all these mean to you?
Mr Observer. This last question, I want you to think deep before you give me an answer
Personally, it means purpose-building a community that signs, and ultimately bridging communication gaps, fostering inclusion, and creating real impact in people’s lives through sign language and community. 

And I’m truly grateful for every participant, supporter, and member of the community who has believed in this vision and helped bring it to life.

 

Alright. Thank You, Mr Observer for making out of your busy Schedule to be here. Thank You for all your sacrifices for a decade and still counting

I believe the audience took away a lot of nuggets from this session like I did.

Enjoy the rest of your day. Bye for now.
You are very welcome Chief. Thank you so much. I really appreciate this.

Let me tell you a story. Not one of those distant, “it doesn’t concern me” stories, but the kind that quietly hit you and asks, if this happened around you, what would you do?

A Deaf employee walks into work; qualified, capable, ready to contribute. On paper, everything checks out. The issue isn’t skill, intelligence, or attitude. It’s communication… or more accurately, the lack of it.

Illustrative image

This situation could have been avoided, but it wasn’t. In Phoenix, Arizona, a U.S. grocery company, Fry’s Food Stores, got into trouble after allegedly refusing to provide an ASL interpreter for a Deaf employee. Just pause there for a moment; someone showing up to work every day without full access to communication. Not because they didn’t ask, but because their requests, made repeatedly, were ignored.

And then you start to wonder, why did it take $120,000 for something this basic to finally be taken seriously? Because at the beginning, this wasn’t about money. It was about understanding instructions, being included in conversations, and simply being treated like everyone else in the room. Instead, the company leaned on lip reading, written notes, and even family members to interpret staff trainings. And honestly, that says a lot.

When communication breaks down, everything else follows. The situation became even more troubling when the employee was eventually terminated. Part of the reason? He refused to sign documents he didn’t understand. Think about that for a second; would you sign something you don’t understand? Exactly. That’s not disobedience; that’s self-respect.

Yet there’s still this lingering mindset in many organizations that accessibility is optional, expensive, or something to “get to later.” But the truth is, accessibility isn’t a favor or an act of kindness. It’s not about going the extra mile. It’s a right. Laws already make that clear, and when companies ignore it, it’s not just insensitive, it’s non-compliant.

At its core, the real barrier here isn’t deafness. It’s communication. Imagine sitting in meetings where conversations are happening, but you’re lost. Instructions are given, but you can’t fully grasp them. Everyone is moving forward, except you, not because you lack ability, but because access was denied. That kind of environment doesn’t just slow things down; it isolates.

What many people don’t realize is that inclusion doesn’t weaken a workplace; it strengthens it. When Deaf employees are properly supported, communication improves, teams collaborate better, confidence grows, and productivity increases. Inclusion isn’t a burden; it’s an upgrade.

And this isn’t just one isolated story. Across the world, Deaf communities are raising their voices, pushing for what should have always been standard. Organizations like the World Federation of the Deaf continue to advocate for equal access, inclusive workplaces, and proper representation. Slowly but surely, the world is beginning to listen, or in some cases, being forced to.

There was a time when organizations could hide behind, “we didn’t know.” That excuse doesn’t hold the same weight anymore. Today, people are speaking up, systems are being questioned, and accountability is no longer optional. This case is proof of that shift.

Because the truth is, this never had to happen. That $120,000 could have gone into providing an interpreter, building proper workplace support, and creating inclusive systems from the start. Instead, it became the price of neglect.

The conversation has changed. We’re no longer asking whether Deaf people should be included. The real question now is: why aren’t they already included? Deaf people work, lead, create, think, and build just like everyone else. The only difference is access.

If there’s anything to take from this story, it’s simple: ignoring inclusion doesn’t make it disappear, it just makes it more expensive. And more importantly, it makes things unfair.

Yes, $120,000 is a lot of money. But the real cost wasn’t financial. It was a human being going to work every single day without being fully included. And honestly, that’s the part we should be talking about more.

There’s a part of growth nobody really prepares you for.

Not the big wins.

Not the “I made it” moments.

But the quiet struggle in between.

The part where you’re trying really trying to build something for yourself.

I write a lot.

I have notebooks for everything. For example

One for studying.

One for daily plans.

One for language learning. And many more..

Different books. Different ideas. Different goals.

On paper, it looks like I have everything figured out.

But in reality… it’s not that simple.

I set alarms. Plenty of them.

“Study cybersecurity.”

“Learn something new today.”

“Just 20 minutes. Just 30 minutes.”

And then…

I snooze.

Or I dismiss it.

Not because I don’t care.

Not because I don’t know what to do.

But because sometimes, starting is the hardest part.

Doing what you said you would is harder than it sounds.

That’s the crazy thing.

You know what you need to do.

You’ve planned it.

You’ve written it down.

You even think about it every single day.

“Today, I’ll do it.”

“I’ll start today.”

But somehow… it still doesn’t happen.

So you go online.

You search:

“How to stay disciplined.”

“How to stay motivated.”

You watch videos.

You listen.

You try to apply.

But the truth?

Sometimes, all that information still doesn’t move you.

Because the real struggle isn’t lack of information.

It’s the weight of everything.

Trying to learn.

Trying to grow.

Trying to build a brand.

Trying not to fall behind.

And at some point… it becomes overwhelming.

You start thinking:

“People my age have already figured it out.”

“I’m behind.”

“I should be doing more.”

And it gets loud in your head.

Too loud.

So sometimes, I step out.

I take long walks.

In the evening.

Sometimes even at night.

Just walking.

Trying to clear my head.

Trying to breathe.

And maybe that’s where the truth is.

Not in forcing productivity.

Not in chasing motivation.

But in admitting that this part is hard.

That showing up consistently… is a fight sometimes.

Maybe growth isn’t always loud.

Maybe it’s in the small things:

Still thinking about your goals.

Still wanting to try.

Still not giving up, even when you pause.

Because even in the inconsistency

There’s still intention.

And maybe that counts for something.

If you’re in this phase too, you’re not alone.

We’re figuring it out.

One step. One attempt. One day at a time.

Don’t give up yet.

- Fikayo Ajayi

In a world where technology is constantly reshaping communication, one innovation is making waves for its powerful impact on inclusivity a speech-to-sign language app designed to bridge the gap between the Deaf and hearing communities across Africa.

Developed by Kenyan innovator Elly Savatia, the app called Terp 360 recently won the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation, a prestigious award recognizing groundbreaking ideas that address everyday challenges on the continent. But beyond the prize and the headlines, this invention carries a deeper meaning: it represents access, dignity, and connection for millions of Deaf Africans who often find themselves excluded from conversations that shape their world.

A Step Forward for Communication Equality

For many Deaf individuals, the daily struggle to communicate in public spaces from hospitals and banks to classrooms and government offices is not just inconvenient; it’s isolating. Terp 360 aims to change that.

Using artificial intelligence (AI), the app translates spoken words into sign language in real-time, allowing Deaf users to follow conversations without needing an interpreter. It also works in reverse converting sign language gestures back into speech so hearing people can understand.

This means a Deaf student can follow a teacher’s explanation more clearly, a patient can communicate with a doctor without frustration, and a Deaf entrepreneur can negotiate business deals without waiting for a translator.

As Savatia shared in a recent interview, the motivation behind the app was personal: “My close friend is Deaf, and I saw how difficult everyday communication was for him. I wanted to create something that could give the Deaf community more independence.”

A Revolutionary Win for Africa’s Deaf Community

There are an estimated 34 million Deaf or hard-of-hearing people across Africa, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Yet, sign language interpretation remains limited in most public institutions, and awareness of Deaf culture is still low.

The introduction of a tool like Terp 360 could become a turning point. By giving Deaf people access to real-time translation, the app promotes equal participation in education, employment, and social life.

In many African countries, the Deaf community often depends on relatives or paid interpreters to navigate basic systems from school admissions to medical check-ups. This dependence can lead to delayed access, miscommunication, or even discrimination. With this app, a Deaf person can now independently interact and express themselves freely in more spaces.

“This is not just a tech win,” said one Deaf advocate from Kenya’s National Association of the Deaf. “It’s a human win. It means we can finally be heard and seen on our own terms.”

Technology with Heart: How Terp 360 Works

Unlike many Western-built tools, Terp 360 was designed with African Sign Language in mind. The app uses a camera to capture gestures, a microphone for speech input, and a smart translation engine trained on local linguistic patterns.

It’s also designed to work offline or in low-data environments, a critical feature in regions where internet connectivity is inconsistent.

By combining visual recognition, voice processing, and AI, the app demonstrates how technology can be localized to solve real African problems. Its impact isn’t just about convenience; it’s about representation and empowerment.

Breaking Stigmas and Building Bridges

In countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya, the Deaf community continues to face stereotypes and social barriers that limit access to education and employment. Tools like Terp 360 not only promote accessibility but also challenge these stereotypes by showing that Deafness is not a disability — it’s a difference.

When hearing individuals begin to use technology that interacts with sign language, it opens doors for empathy and understanding. Schools, for instance, can use this app to make classrooms more inclusive. Hospitals can improve patient communication. Even workplaces can start rethinking how to integrate Deaf employees more effectively.

The ripple effect goes far beyond the technology itself — it begins to reshape mindsets.

Recognition That Matters

Winning the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation is no small feat. The award, founded by the Royal Academy of Engineering, recognizes African innovators who develop scalable, impactful solutions to the continent’s most pressing challenges.

Elly Savatia’s victory puts him alongside a growing generation of African tech changemakers who are using innovation for inclusion rather than profit alone. The win also highlights how African engineers are increasingly leading conversations around AI ethics, accessibility, and diversity in tech.

But what truly makes Terp 360 remarkable is that it didn’t come from a multinational company or a big research lab — it came from a young African engineer who saw a problem close to home and decided to solve it.

A Future of Inclusive Communication

As Terp 360 continues to gain attention and partnerships, there’s growing optimism that the app could soon expand to other African countries, including Nigeria where the Deaf community is large and vibrant but often underrepresented in mainstream technology solutions.

For the Deaf community, the app is more than a digital tool; it’s a symbol of progress. It gives a new sense of independence and visibility. It reminds society that accessibility should never be an afterthought.

In an era where Africa’s tech scene is booming, innovations like this prove that technology can be a bridge not a barrier.

Conclusion

The story of Terp 360 is not just about a prize-winning app; it’s about restoring voices that were never silent just unheard.

With this breakthrough, Africa takes another bold step toward a future where communication is truly for everyone, and where no one is left out of the conversation simply because they communicate differently.

As the world celebrates innovation, the Deaf community across Africa celebrates something greater: inclusion, equality, and hope.

Written by Fikayo Ajayi
 For fikayoajayi.com.ng