The Federal Government has commenced steps to establish Tiv and Nupe language degree programmes in Nigerian universities.
The initiative, being implemented through the National Universities Commission (NUC), includes the constitution of a panel of experts to develop the Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) for the two new programmes.
According to minutes of a meeting between the experts and the NUC Executive Secretary, Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, the Commission approved the engagement of scholars to lead the curriculum development process.
Prof. Mary Adebayo and Prof. Rebecaa K.D. were appointed as lead consultants for the Tiv and Nupe programmes, respectively.
The Tiv panel includes Professors Muhammad Alkali and Musa Bawa, representing Nigerian universities, while Florence Onuoha and Chinenye Augustine serve as NUC representatives.
Similarly, the Nupe panel comprises Professors John Akosu Adeiyongo and Nguton Sambe, with Kate Omotayo Onaiyekan and Hadiza Kalla representing the Commission.
The move comes amid ongoing debate over the Federal Government’s recent reversal of the 2022 National Language Policy, which had promoted mother-tongue instruction in schools.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, had earlier announced that English would now serve as the sole language of instruction from primary to tertiary levels, citing 15 years of data that showed mother-tongue teaching had not significantly improved learning outcomes.
The policy shift has generated mixed reactions from education stakeholders. While some argue that the reversal was premature and called for improvements in teacher training and teaching materials, others support the decision, saying stronger English proficiency is essential for global competitiveness.
The NUC said the introduction of Tiv and Nupe as degree programmes aligns with its mandate to strengthen Nigerian linguistic studies and preserve indigenous languages through higher education.
