From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
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.
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 especially as it is 25 years since the United Nations (UN) recognized and emphasised the critical role of mother languages in shaping identity, culture, and development of all nations, was designed to draw global attention 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’s 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 marginalization of local tongues or indigenous languages, thereby, undermining the rich wisdom that they impart.
“However, milestone was achieved when Minister of Education announced in 2021 that teaching in basic schools must be in the language of the immediate community. Though, the policy is being reconsidered since, according to the Minister of State for Education, many States are over implementing the policy by teaching students in indigenous languages beyond the basic schools.”
She insisted that the responsibility to preserve the mother languages does not rest on institutions alone, but requires collective effort. “Parents must speak mother tongue at home, pass it down to the children as a gift of identity.
“Educators must incorporate local languages into the curriculum. Encourage students to take pride in their linguistic heritage. Students and Researchers must also explore and document indigenous languages because they are a treasure trove of knowledge waiting to be uncovered.”
She, thus, challenged Nigerians to remember that every mother language lost is a piece of humanity erased, but every language preserved is a beacon of hope for a more inclusive, diverse, and connected world. “So, let us work together to ensure that Nigeria’s linguistic heritage not only survives but thrive, locally and globally.
The National Programme Officer of UNESCO, Stephen Onyekwelu, said UNESCO is supporting the NLN in implementing a pilot project to document and preserve at least three endangered languages in Taraba State.
He said they will preserve these languages through community engagement, language documentation, and the creation of digital archives of live videos to ensure the survival of these languages for future generations.
He, however, called on the government to constitute a national committee to develop a roadmap for the preservation of indigenous languages, and urged parents not to shy away from teaching their children their languages, and teachers too to teach the children.