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In a groundbreaking move to preserve Nigeria’s rich linguistic heritage, the National Universities Commission (NUC) has greenlit the development of new academic standards for Bachelor of Arts degree programs in Tiv and Nupe languages. Announced on November 16, 2025, this initiative marks a significant step toward integrating more indigenous languages into higher education, fostering teaching, research, and cultural preservation across the country.
The NUC’s approval focuses on crafting the Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) for these proposed programs. Executive Secretary Professor Abdullahi Yusuf Ribadu has spearheaded the effort, authorizing a team of language experts from universities nationwide to design the curricula. A intensive four-day development session was held at the NUC Secretariat from October 21 to 24, 2025, bringing together top professors and specialists to lay the groundwork.
During a courtesy visit to the executive secretary, Acting Director of Academic Planning Mallam Abubakar Girei—represented by Deputy Director Dr. Esther Mmeka—formally introduced the resource team. Professor Ribadu kicked off the proceedings with high praise for the experts’ commitment, urging them to deliver a high-quality framework. He emphasized that expanding CCMAS to include more indigenous languages is a vital stride in strengthening Nigeria’s linguistic diversity and ensuring its survival for future generations.
Leading the charge, Professors Mary Adebayo and Rebecca K. D. responded on behalf of the teams, pledging a robust curriculum that will elevate the study of Tiv and Nupe. The Tiv curriculum team comprises Professors Muhammad Alkali and Musa Bawa, alongside NUC representatives Florence Onuoha and Chinenye Augustine. The Nupe team includes Professors John Akosu Adeiyongo and Nguton Sambe, with Kate Omotayo Onaiyekan and Hadiza Kalla representing the commission.
This development comes amid growing calls to revitalize Nigeria’s over 500 indigenous languages, many of which face extinction due to the dominance of English and major local tongues like Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo. By introducing degree programs in Tiv—spoken by millions in Benue State and beyond—and Nupe, primarily in Niger, Kogi, and Kwara states, the NUC aims to produce graduates equipped to teach, research, and promote these languages in schools, media, and cultural institutions.
The initiative aligns with broader national efforts to decolonize education and empower local identities. If successfully implemented, it could pave the way for similar programs in other minority languages, enriching Nigeria’s academic landscape and contributing to global linguistic diversity. Stakeholders, including university vice-chancellors and language advocates, have welcomed the news, viewing it as a timely intervention in an era of cultural globalization.
As the teams forge ahead, the NUC’s push underscores a commitment to inclusive education that honors Nigeria’s multilingual mosaic. Watch this space for updates on rollout timelines and potential expansions to other indigenous tongues.
