Top-Arch Academy Abuja, has tasked parents and the Government at all levels on the need to protect and preserve indigenous languages on children to help promote multilngual education in the country.
Mrs Kokona Nkanga, the school proprietor made the call during the Cultural Day/International Mother Language celebration on Tuesday, at Kado Estate, Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of 2023 International Mother Language Day organised by UNESCO is titled “Multilingual Education – a necessity to transform education.”
According to her, language remains the greatest identity that anybody has and also the vehicle of transmitting civilisation.
“Language is a gift from God and so we should honour it; we can only do this with the children at tender age and we should instil culture in the children now.
“If we want to promote our identity then we must preserve our indigenous language. There many things that are better expressed in the mothers tongue than with foreign language.
“Language protection and preservation is anchored on international knowledge systems. The government at all levels must be involved in the protection and preservation of our indigenous languages,” Nkanga said.
The Secretary-General, Nigerian National Commission for UNESCO, Mr. Olagunju Idowu, in his goodwill message, said the occasion will go a long way to sensitising and creating awareness among students on the importance of mother tongue in our society.
Represented by Mr. Paul Omale, Sector Secretary, Communication and Information Sector, NATCOM-UNESCO, said UNESCO believes in the importance of cultural and linguistic diversity for Sustainable society.
According to him, it will explore and interrogate the potential of multilingualism in transforming education in the country.
Omale said globally about 40 per cent of the populations do not have access to education in the languages of their interactions.
He added that International Mother Day recognises that languages and multilingualism can advance inclusion and Sustainable Development goals focus on leaving no one behind.
Barr. Emmanuel Emerenini, the school Admin Officer, on his part said indigenous languages should be reintroduced in the primary and secondary school curriclumn to enhance Multilingual Education.
He said the event was imperative to draw people’s attention to the issues indigenous people are going through and what the government and state actors should do. (NAN)