Nigeria’s indigenous languages going extinct, national librarian warns
The National Librarian/Chief Executive Officer of National Library of Nigeria, Prof. Chinwe Anunobi has expressed deep concern over the steady decline of indigenous languages globally, warning that many are gradually
The National Librarian/Chief Executive Officer of National Library of Nigeria, Prof. Chinwe Anunobi has expressed deep concern over the steady decline of indigenous languages globally, warning that many are gradually facing extinction due to neglect and reduced intergenerational transmission.
According to her, the erosion of native tongues poses a serious threat to cultural identity, traditional knowledge systems, and the rich diversity that defines communities.
Prof Anunobi spoke in Abuja on Monday at the 2026 International Mother Language Day with the theme Youth voices on multilingual education.
She emphasised that parents played a critical role in reversing this trend by deliberately speaking their indigenous languages at home and encouraging their children to learn and use them confidently. Anunobi noted that 40 per cent of the world’s population did not have access to education in their indigenous languages.
According to her, access to education in one’s indigenous language plays a critical role in improving literacy level, comprehension, and overall academic performance.
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“The future of Nigeria’s knowledge system depends not only on technology, but on language. And the future of language depends on us.
“I urge every staff member, especially our young professionals to see yourselves as ambassadors of multilingual education. Speak your mother tongue with pride. Document it. Teach it. Digitise it. Celebrate it.
Together, we can ensure that no Nigerian language fades into silence, and that every Nigerian child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in a language they understand.”
The National Librarian stressed that young people should be placed at the centre of conversations on language preservation and inclusive learning.
She noted that multilingual education was not merely a cultural aspiration but a developmental necessity that could unlock the full potential of children and adolescents across diverse communities.
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Anunobi explained that when learners are taught in languages they understand from their formative years, they are more confident, participatory, and better equipped to grasp complex concepts.
On the other hand, she warned that denying children access to education in their mother tongue often led to poor comprehension, reduced classroom engagement, and in some cases, higher dropout rates.
Her words: “Since 2022, shortly after I assumed office, the National Library of Nigeria institutionalised the observance of International Mother Language Day. This was not accidental. It aligns with my responsibility as a Member of UNESCO Steering Committee for the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (IDIL 2022–2032) and the Lead Expert in the Communication and Information Sector of the Nigerian National Commission for UNESCO.
“The broad targets of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages include revitalisation, promotion, preservation, and the encouragement of multilingualism. At the National Library of Nigeria, we have translated these goals into measurable action.”
The National Librarian noted that the family remains the first point of language acquisition, and when children are consistently exposed to their mother tongue from an early age, they are more likely to retain fluency and cultural connection.
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She urged families to foster pride in their linguistic heritage by integrating indigenous languages into daily conversations, storytelling, and cultural practices.
On her part, a representative of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Yachat Nuhu, highlighted the global significance of preserving indigenous languages as a means of safeguarding cultural diversity and promoting inclusive education.
She noted that the international agency has been actively supporting initiatives that encourage mother-tongue instruction, strengthen local content development, and empower communities to maintain their linguistic heritage.
