BY JULIET EKWENUGO
Kaduna
The HYELHIRA Language and Cultural Centre has called for the inclusion of Nigerian languages in the school curriculum, saying the continued neglect of indigenous languages is threatening the nation’s cultural identity and moral values.
Founder of the Centre, Dr. Grace Saleh made the call during the Language and Cultural Quiz Competition 2025 held in Kaduna, an event organised to promote the learning and appreciation of local languages among schoolchildren.
Dr. Saleh expressed concern that most schools across the country no longer teach Nigerian languages, focusing instead on foreign ones such as French and Arabic. She said this trend was contributing to the gradual erosion of the nation’s cultural roots.
“We teach both foreign and local languages, and we are also into cultural promotion. It is timely that someone has to do something about the deficit of our language and cultural promotion”.
She revealed that a recent survey carried out by the Centre showed that only two out of sixteen schools interviewed in Kaduna currently teach any Nigerian language, describing the finding as “alarming and disappointing.”
According to her, many developed countries have achieved progress by using their local languages as a medium of instruction, adding that Nigeria must do the same to preserve its identity and values.
“In many countries, you cannot even access certain opportunities unless you learn their language. But in Nigeria, we promote foreign languages while neglecting our own. What are we promoting as a nation?” she asked.
Saleh argued that language is the foundation of culture and identity, stressing that children who are not exposed to their local languages would struggle to appreciate their heritage and moral values.
“How can children value their roots when they don’t speak their language? How can they understand their culture when it is not taught in schools?” she queried.
The HYELHIRA founder added that promoting indigenous languages could also open new avenues for economic growth and innovation, noting that Nigeria’s rich cultural resources remain largely untapped.
“There are no jobs in Nigeria, but we have a lot of cultural assets that can be transformed into wealth. However, our youths cannot harness these opportunities if they don’t understand their roots”.
She said the Language and Cultural Quiz Competition 2025 was introduced to revive interest in Nigerian languages and promote cultural awareness among schoolchildren.
“Some of the children we interacted with told us they want to learn their native languages, but their parents don’t speak them at home. That is why we started this competition to reawaken their curiosity and pride in their culture”.
Saleh also criticised the removal of history from the school curriculum, describing it as a “major setback” to national awareness and cultural education.
While calling on the Federal Government to make at least one local language compulsory in every state, she said each region could adopt a dominant indigenous language for teaching alongside English.
“It is not possible to teach all languages, but each state can adopt one or two major local languages. For example, in Kaduna, a major indigenous language can be introduced. The Yorubas are already using Yoruba to teach some subjects”.
She emphasised that preserving language and culture should not be left to schools alone but should begin at home.
“Parents pay teachers to teach their children French, but they don’t teach them their own languages. What legacy are we leaving behind?” she asked.
Saleh warned that the neglect of indigenous languages and values has resulted in moral decline among youths, stressing that cultural awareness helps shape discipline, identity, and respect.
“We are raising a generation that is losing its values and sense of identity. Culture defines who we are. If we abandon it, we lose our moral and social foundation”.
At the end of the Language and Cultural Quiz Competition 2025, Heyik International School, Kakuri emerged first, followed by ECWA Goodnews Schools, High Cost Narayi, which took second position, while Government Senior Secondary School, Kargi Tudun Wada, came third.
Saleh congratulated the winners and commended all participating schools for their enthusiasm, urging them to sustain their interest in learning and promoting Nigerian languages.
She said “this competition is not just about winning; it is about reviving our pride in who we are as Nigerians. The future of our language and culture lies in the hands of these children”.
