South-east Scholars Demand Unified Policy on Igbo Language Studies in Region

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Igbo intellectuals have called on the governors of the South-east region to collaborate in creating a unified policy that mandates a credit pass in Igbo language as a core prerequisite for entrance into any tertiary institution within the region.

The scholars who spoke during an international conference on “Reimagining Igbo Studies in the 21st Century in Nigeria”, noted that the policy would not only elevate the status of Igbo language but also reinforce its importance in the region’s educational landscape.

The event brought together scholars, researchers, and experts from across the globe to engage in exchange of ideas, insights, and perspectives on the future of Igbo studies in the evolving landscape of Nigeria.

A communiqué released after the event, noted that the Director of the Centre for Igbo Studies (CIS), University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and convener of the event, Prof Chris Agbedo, spoke pointedly to the frightful prospects of language endangerment facing the Igbo language.

The communiqué was signed by Dr. Ifeoma Nweze, Dr. Ahamefula Ndubuisi and Dr. Daniel Abonyi.

To this end, the director called on the authorities of UNN, as well as the South-east governors and members of the regional leadership, socio-cultural organisations such as Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Council of Igbo States in Americas (CISA), Igbo World Assembly (IWA), and civil society to take practical steps to address the challenges.

He also recommended the inclusion of Igbo in General Studies Programme (GST) which will expose students from various disciplines to the beauty and significance of the Igbo language and traditions.

“This calls upon the governors of the Southeast region to collaborate in creating a unified policy that mandates a credit pass in Igbo language as a core prerequisite for entrance into any tertiary institution within the region.

“This policy would not only elevate the status of Igbo language but also reinforce its importance in the region’s educational landscape,” he said.

To incentivise students to take up Igbo as a course, Agbedo proposed the establishment of a scholarship scheme for students who choose to study Igbo at any tertiary institution.

Additionally, he recommended that a promise of automatic employment upon graduation should be extended to students who excel in their Igbo studies.

“This measure would not only motivate students to engage with the language but also create a skilled workforce dedicated to preserving and promoting Igbo heritage.

“ These recommendations are not only crucial steps toward preserving the Igbo language and cultural heritage but also serve as a testament to the commitment of the academic community, regional authorities, and society at large to safeguarding the essence of Igbo identity,” he added.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof Charles Igwe, assured that the institution would continue to work for the promotion of Igbo language and promised that his administration will always give the centre the necessary support to carry out its functions in preserving the Igbo language and cultural heritage.

 The Chairman, CISA Board, Dr Nwachukwu Anakwenze, who chaired the occasion, praised the University and CIS for their efforts in ensuring that Igbo studies and cultural practices were sustained.

He noted that over 40 million black are of Igbo origin, adding that an appreciable number of them are willing to learn the Igbo language as well as reconnect with their living relatives in Nigeria and Diaspora.

In a keynote presentation, entitled “Where are we now,” which was delivered by Prof Gabriella Nwaozuzu, she interrogated the relevance of the Igbo’s ‘be your brother’s keeper’ philosophy in contemporary times, unlike the typical pre-civil war Igbo society when the philosophy was the bedrock on which Igbo progress, cohesion, love, and peace rested.

Others who spoke glowingly in support of the innovative step taken by the CIS to reposition Igbo studies included the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, represented by the Publicity Secretary, Dr. Alex Ogbonnia, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Abia State University Uturu, Prof Ogbonna Onuoha, among others.