Lagos: Mr Nehemiah David, a Nigerian scholar and First Class Honours graduate of French Education from the University of Benin, is championing Artificial Intelligence (AI) human integration for global language solutions. David disclosed this in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, David is among a growing cohort of African professionals shaping the future of translation and interpretation in a digital age. He advocates for a model that prioritizes human insight alongside technological advancement, emphasizing that while machines can translate sentences, only humans can truly capture the essence of a message.
David combines academic excellence with practical field experience. He sees translation not just as a technical service but as fundamental to global cooperation. He believes that in the coming decade, translation will not only support development but drive it, becoming essential infrastructure for public policy, international business, and inclusive education.
With over a decade in language services, David’s contributions span translation, interpretation, and education across both national and international sectors. His experience includes interpreting at African Union summits and environmental policy forums, as well as mentoring French language learners across Nigeria. His approach marries linguistic precision with cultural understanding.
David’s research has attracted interest from AI think tanks, language education networks, and ethics panels across Francophone West Africa. He views translation as a responsibility that, when done correctly, fosters understanding, but if mishandled, could exacerbate divides. He proposes an integrated model where AI serves as a tool, with human interpreters guiding its application.
He cites examples from Microsoft’s multilingual meeting platforms to robotic interpreters in Japanese airports, suggesting that AI should be the engine and humans the pilot. David encourages adopting blended systems that combine the speed of machines with the depth of human expression. His recommendations include national frameworks to train interpreters in AI post-editing, curriculum redesign to embed AI in tertiary language programs, and collaboration between technologists, linguists, and policy stakeholders.
David also calls on the Nigerian Institute of Translators and Interpreters (NITI) to lead these reforms at scale. As the founder of Neboda Education Hub and president of the Community of French-Speaking Champions Initiative (CSI-COFSCI), he has trained hundreds of students in bilingual education, AI-enhanced language tools, and interpretation ethics. His efforts aim to professionalize the language industry while expanding access and opportunity for emerging talent.
David’s leadership has earned him several honors, including the Most Outstanding Scholar of the Year and an Honorary Doctorate in International Affairs from a UK-based institution.