In Africa, colonialism significantly disrupted indigenous languages, making European languages such as English, French, and Portuguese the dominant modes of education, governance, and commerce. It is so sad that many children have lost their cultural identity, like a Yoruba boy who does not know the meaning of his name or an Igbo girl who cannot speak her unique language. White men have now taken an interest in these languages, loving and speaking them with great enthusiasm. Therefore, in recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of revitalising indigenous African languages within educational systems. Nigeria offers a compelling example of this revival.

Looking at the historical context, Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, is home to over 500 languages and numerous ethnic groups, including the Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa, each with rich linguistic traditions. During colonial rule and post-independence, English became the official language and the primary medium of instruction in schools. Indigenous languages were relegated to informal use or taught superficially as subjects, leading to a gradual decline in fluency among younger generations.

Why Revive Indigenous Languages?

The marginalisation of indigenous languages has created several challenges:

• Loss of cultural heritage: As languages fade, so too do the traditions, values, and worldviews embedded in them.
• Learning difficulties: Research shows that children learn better when taught in their mother tongue, especially in the early years of schooling.
• National unity and inclusion: Promoting indigenous languages fosters a sense of belonging and respect for Nigeria’s diverse cultures.

Recent Efforts in Nigeria

Nigeria has begun taking significant steps to revive indigenous languages in education: 1. National Policy on Education (NPE): This policy encourages the use of mother tongue or the language of the immediate environment as the medium of instruction in the first three years of primary school. English is introduced as a subject, while indigenous languages continue alongside it. 2. Curriculum development: Textbooks, storybooks, and learning materials are increasingly being produced in major Nigerian languages. Radio and television programs in Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, and other languages also support learning. 3. Teacher training: Colleges of education are training more teachers who are proficient in indigenous languages and equipped to teach them effectively. 4. Technological innovation: Digital platforms and mobile apps now offer opportunities to learn and preserve Nigerian languages in engaging ways.

Despite these efforts, challenges persist: Urbanisation and globalisation, Limited resources and Inappreciation. Many urban families prioritise English, seeing it as the language of opportunity. Some languages lack standardised orthographies, quality teaching materials, or trained teachers. Some parents and students don’t appreciate their indigenous languages; they still perceive them as inferior to English.

To strengthen the revival, Nigeria must:

• Invest more in developing resources for lesser-spoken languages.
• Incentivise schools to fully implement mother-tongue policies.
• Celebrate and normalise the use of indigenous languages in media, public spaces, and official events.
• Support research and documentation of endangered Nigerian languages.

Reviving indigenous African languages in education is about empowering future generations with a strong sense of identity, cognitive advantage, and cultural pride. Nigeria’s efforts serve as an encouraging example of how African nations can reclaim their linguistic heritage while balancing the demands of a globalised world.