ABSG Mandates Compulsory Teaching And Use Of Igbo Language In Schools

1. Abia State Government says it has taken significant steps to preserve Igbo culture and promote linguistic diversity by making Igbo Language teaching and use compulsory in basic and post-basic schools.

Governor Otti stated this to mark the
2025 United Nations Mother Tongue Day with the theme, “Igbo Language and Culture, A Treasure Worth Preserving”, organized by Igbo Women Assembly in Conjunction with Alaigbo, at the International Conference Centre in Umuahia.

Governor Alex Otti stated that plans are on to introduce some cultural activities in schools in the state in order to promote the use of Igbo language.

The Governor represented by the Commissioner for Art and Culture and Creative Economy,Dr Mathew Ekwuribe noted that his administration would continue to do all it could to ensure that Igbo language does not go into extinction.

He stressed the need for Igbo people to embrace their rich cultural heritage and values pointing out that the present administration is working with traditional rulers to revive the hidden and untapped cultural heritage of the people.

He assured that his administration would partner Igbo Women Assembly in their efforts towards the promotion of Mother tongue in the state,
restating that the measure aims to encourage younger generations to take pride in their heritage.

The Commissioner,however, urged parents, stakeholders, and schools to support this effort, which aligns with the global celebration of linguistic and cultural diversity.

In her Address, the Wife of the Governor, Mrs Priscilla Otti represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr Maureen Aghaukwa, the Wife of the immediate past Deputy Governor, Mrs Vivian Ude Okochukwu and the Chairman, Abia State Council of Traditional Ruler Council, Eze Linus Ntoh Mba represented by Eze Innocent Nwaigwe, described the event as call to action for parents to inculcate Igbo language in their Children at early age.

In a remark, a former Secretary to the State Government, Professor Mkpa Agu Mkpa commended the Igbo Women Assembly President, Lolo Nneka Chimezie for organizing the program to recognize the importance of Igbo language, values and rich cultural heritage of the people

Professor Mkpa Agu Mkpa advocated for the use of Igbo language as language of instructions for pupils in Nursery and Primary schools in the state as well as official language every Wednesdays and Fridays in offices.

The National President Igbo Women Assembly , Lolo Nneka Chimezie while highlighting the need for parents to encourage their children speaking Igbo language called on governments in South East zone to introduce programs that would help promote Igbo language in the zone.

She also enjoined Ndi Igbo to cherish their Language, tradition, value and jettison the act of patronizing other people’s Language as well as ensure the language do not go into extinction.

In their remarks,Prof. Chinedu Ofomata , Prof Chukwu Okolo, Prof. Nkechinyere Ohaike, Chief Okeosisi Harbor and Immediate Past Acting Executive Director, National Root Crops Research Institute Umudike, Dr Godwin Asumugha urged all to join hands and save Igbo Culture and Language from going into extinction as well as contribute to the development of the nation.

The event featured lectures , round table discussion from notable Igbo Personalities, Cultural display also had in attendance the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi among other top government officials.

The International Mother Language Day is observed annually on February 21 to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity.