Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka has called on Nigerians to prioritise the preservation and promotion of indigenous languages and cultural practices to foster national development.
He made this appeal on Monday during a visit to the Centre for Cultural Studies and Creative Arts at the University of Ilorin as part of events marking the institution’s inaugural Cultural Week.
Addressing journalists, Soyinka described language as the “repository of a people and community,” stating the importance of encouraging younger generations to learn and use their ancestral tongues. He also added that Nigeria is home to over 300 languages, underscoring the nation’s rich linguistic diversity.
While acknowledging the benefits of learning globally recognised foreign languages, Soyinka warned against neglecting local languages. He advocated for Nigerians to read, write, and innovate in their native languages, suggesting that this approach would enhance research and development within the country.
Soyinka also spoke on adapting traditional cultural practices to modern life. He suggested incorporating local foods, songs, and conflict-resolution methods from the past into contemporary living, proposing that such integration would help children understand their origins and apply traditional wisdom to current challenges.
In line with this, he called for indigenous languages to be made compulsory in schools, asserting that a firm grasp of local languages and culture would instil pride in Nigerian heritage.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Wahab Egbewole, expressed pride in hosting Soyinka, describing his visit as a significant moment for the institution. He noted that the establishment of the Centre for Cultural Studies and Creative Arts aligns with Soyinka’s lifelong dedication to the arts and humanities.
Egbewole revealed that the Centre was conceived with figures like Soyinka in mind and has now materialised with students enrolled in various programmes, including diploma, undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees.
He expressed optimism that the Centre would evolve into a leading institution globally, mainly with Soyinka’s involvement.
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