From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The National Library of Nigeria (NLN) has raised the alarm that about 29 Nigerian indigenous languages are critically endangered, stressing that two of the languages, Njerep (In Adamawa State) and Ichen (in Taraba State) are on the brink of extinction.
The National Librarian, Prof. Chinwe Anunobi, raised the alarm at an event to mark the 2025 International Mother Language Day with the theme: “Silver Jubilee Celebration of International Mother Language Day” held on Friday, in Abuja.
She said the event was designed to draw global attention, especially as it is 25 years since the United Nations (UN) recognised and emphasised the critical role of mother languages in shaping identity, culture, and development of all nations.
She was concerned that the existential threat to some indigenous Nigerian languages would not only diminish cultural heritage of the people, but also rob future generations of indigenous knowledge systems and traditional wisdom encoded in these languages.
The National Librarian, however, stated that there’s hope for the situation if all stakeholders, particularly the parents, would do their part in the effort to rescue the languages from extinction.
She said: “Research shows that children learn best in their mother language during the early years of education.
Providing education in a learner’s first language improves cognitive development, fosters creativity, and enhances overall academic performance.
“Yet, in many parts of the world, including Nigeria, there is a growing shift towards dominant languages, leading to the marginalisation of local tongues or indigenous languages, thereby, undermining the rich wisdom that they impart.
“However, a milestone was achieved when Minister of Education announced in 2021 that teaching in basic schools must be in the language of the immediate community.”