The Nigerian Academy of Letters has called for greater use of indigenous languages in Nigerian classrooms, warning that the continued neglect of mother tongues could affect national identity, learning and cultural preservation.
At its 28th convocation and induction ceremony in Lagos, the Academy made a case for a stronger mother-tongue education policy.
Here are five reasons highlighted by the speakers:
1. To strengthen national identity
The Academy said indigenous languages are closely connected to Nigeria’s identity and cultural heritage. Greater use of these languages in education could help children maintain a stronger connection with their culture.
2. To make learning easier for children
Prof. Imelda Udoh explained that children learn more effectively when they are initially taught in a language they understand. She argued that children should not have to master a foreign language before they can fully understand the concepts being taught.
3. To prevent indigenous languages from going extinct
Prof. Oladele Balogun warned that some Nigerian languages could disappear if parents, government and scholars fail to deliberately promote their use among younger generations.
4. To preserve culture and values
The speakers noted that language carries cultural expressions, traditions and values. Losing indigenous languages could therefore mean losing important aspects of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
5. To support nation-building
According to the Academy, mother-tongue education can contribute to inclusion, intellectual development and nation-building by giving children a stronger foundation from which they can learn other languages, including English.
The Academy’s President, Prof. Andrew Haruna, therefore called for the decolonisation of Nigerian classrooms, while Udoh advocated a well-planned multilingual education system in which children can first develop strong foundations in languages they understand before expanding to other languages.
Meanwhile, the Academy inducted 46 members, including 11 regular Fellows and two honorary Fellows. Renowned filmmaker Tunde Kelani also received the NAL Award of Excellence in Humanistic Practice, while Prof. Emeritus Femi Osofisan received the Distinguished Life Fellowship Award.
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