The National Institute for Nigerian Languages (NINLAN), Aba, has commended the Government of Akwa Ibom State for the appointment of a Director of Education in Annang Language, describing the move as a significant milestone in the promotion and preservation of indigenous Nigerian languages.

The Executive Director of NINLAN made this known during a courtesy visit by the newly appointed Director of Education in Annang Language, who visited the Institute for a familiarization meeting. He praised the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, for what he described as a visionary and strategic decision aimed at strengthening the status and sustainability of the Annang language within the educational system.

According to the Executive Director, the creation of this position demonstrates a deliberate commitment to the revitalization, standardization, and institutionalization of indigenous languages. He further noted that NINLAN had previously granted affiliation to initiatives focused on the development of the Annang language. Through this partnership, the Institute provides academic guidance, accreditation, and certification to enhance programme quality and long-term impact.

He expressed confidence that sustained collaboration between NINLAN and stakeholders in Akwa Ibom State would significantly contribute to the growth, standardization, and wider acceptance of the Annang language at both national and international levels.

Support for Obolo Language Development

In a related development, the Institute also received a delegation led by Dr. and Dr. (Mrs.) Aaron, who sought collaboration with NINLAN for the advancement of the Obolo language. In response, the Executive Director reaffirmed the Institute’s readiness to support the initiative through its Distance Graduate Conversion Programme.

He explained that the programme is designed to train graduates from non-language disciplines to become qualified teachers of their mother tongues, thereby addressing the shortage of indigenous language educators in Nigeria.

Earlier, the delegation expressed a strong desire for NINLAN’s support in enhancing the relevance and visibility of the Obolo language both within Nigeria and globally. They also requested assistance in sustaining bilingual schools and in developing an academic framework that would ensure the intergenerational transmission of the language.

The Executive Director assured the delegation that their request aligns with the core mandate of the Institute and would receive the necessary attention and institutional support. He further disclosed that NINLAN has already inaugurated a committee tasked with developing curricula for Nigerian indigenous languages. To date, curricula for approximately fourteen indigenous languages have been developed, with ongoing efforts to expand this number.

Key Officials in Attendance

The meeting was attended by principal officers of the Institute, including the Registrar, Chief Mrs. Charity Osinachi Ijoma; the Bursar, Alhaji Aliu Kolawole; the former Institute Librarian, Professor Cyprian Ugwu; the Director of Works, Arch. Emeka Izuwah, the Director of the Centre for Continuing Education, Professor Nkechi Ohaike; and Dr. Ijeoma Chikezie, among others.