Nobel laureate and literary icon, Professor Wole Soyinka, has called for the urgent revival and promotion of Nigeria’s indigenous languages and cultural heritage, describing them as vital tools for national development and identity.
Soyinka made this appeal on Monday during a visit to the Centre for Cultural Studies and Creative Arts at the University of Ilorin. The visit was part of activities marking the university’s inaugural Cultural Week.
Addressing journalists after a tour of the Centre, the globally renowned playwright emphasized that language is not only a communication tool but also a repository of a people’s history, values, and worldview.
“Language is a beautiful tool for expression. In the last headcount, it was discovered that there were about 300 languages in Nigeria,” Soyinka said. “We need to learn foreign languages, yes, but not at the expense of our local languages.”
He noted that Nigerian youth must be encouraged to read, write, and innovate in their native languages. According to him, without this foundation, Nigeria risks losing its cultural uniqueness and creative ingenuity.
Soyinka highlighted the importance of transforming traditional knowledge into practical tools for modern development. He advocated incorporating indigenous conflict resolution techniques, culinary practices, and oral histories into today’s way of life.
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“We can start by asking our mothers how they did it in the past and use those methods to raise our children. This will teach them their roots and how to adapt traditional wisdom to modern challenges,” he explained.
Soyinka also pushed for the compulsory teaching of local languages and Nigerian history in schools, insisting that pride in cultural identity is central to any nation’s dignity.
“We must cherish our culture and traditions as Africans to maintain our dignity and values,” he said.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Wahab Egbewole (SAN), described Soyinka’s visit as a historic moment for the institution. He noted that the establishment of the Centre for Cultural Studies and Creative Arts was directly inspired by Soyinka’s lifelong dedication to literature, culture, and the arts.
“This centre was conceptualised with figures like Prof. Soyinka in mind,” Egbewole said. “It is a testament to our commitment to promoting cultural scholarship and heritage.”
The Centre, now operational, offers diploma to doctoral programs and is poised to become a leading institution in the study and preservation of African cultures globally.
Soyinka’s visit, according to university officials, has energized ongoing efforts to promote Nigeria’s cultural richness and solidified the Centre’s credibility in the global academic community.
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