Indigenous Languages: Nigeria restates commitment to fund Research

Salihu Ali and Hauwa Mustapha, Kano

The Nigerian Government says it will remain an institutional partner for funding indigenous language research and development.

The country’s Minister of Information and National Orientation Muhammad Idris made this known in Kano North West Nigeria, at the maiden International Conference on Nupe Studies organized by Centre of Research in Nigerian Languages, Translation and Folklore Bayero University Kano.

Represented by the Director General Voice of Nigeria (VON), Jibrin Baba Ndace, the Minister underscored the relevance of indigenous Languages in complementing and encouraging participatory democracy.

Recognizing the rich history and number of Nupe people in Nigeria, their culture as well as values and achievements, the Minister explained the uniqueness and treasures of Nigerian culture and self-identity, as indigenous languages remain an index of identity that serves as a repository of Nigeria’s culture, industry, and exploits.

The information Minister said, President Tinubu believes that, the thrust of the government’s policy, programmes, and projects is for the benefit of the Nigerian people through participatory and informed citizen engagement.

“This will begin by availing our compatriots the necessary orientation to support their complementary roles as citizens. For instance, the National Values Charter, as initiated by President Tinubu, represents this goal. 

As one of the other objectives of the National Identity Project, the Charter is aimed at redirecting all Nigerians, irrespective of class, ethnicity, and religion, to the ideals and values that were traditionally the pillars and foundations of our society and institutions.”

Also, Former Information Minister Professor Jerry Gana identified Nupe people as hospitable who placed value on human dignity, and essence.

He commended efforts in further expanding the studies of Nupe language and development.

“A very important aspect of Nupe culture is the tremendous emphasis on the preciousness of human life, and the great value placed on people. At the heart of Nupe social philosophy is the fact that “People matter far more than things.”

Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar represented by the Etsu Lafiangi, Muhammed Kudu Kawu expressed the support of the traditional institutions in promoting Nupe language.

The Vice Chancellor Bayero University Kano, Professor Sangir Abbas represented, informed the Minister that, the institution is committed to community service through academic research and educational development.

“We believe that the true value of education and research lies in its capacity to provide platforms for various efforts aimed at fostering development.”

Also Speaking, the Director Centre of Research in Nigerian Languages, Translation and Folklore Bayero University Kano, Professor Yakubu Azare said, the Centre is working hard to promote the course of indigenous languages and cultures.

“It is against that back drop that, as I assumed its leadership in May 2022, we ensure the completion and publication of Eight Science textbooks produced in Hausa. These textbooks we believe, would be of paramount importance towards simplifying teaching and learning in the mother tongue.”

The conference brought together Nupe sons and daughters from far and near.