Nigeria’s indigenous languages could go into extinction due to decline in their usage by the youths, Prof. Anthony Anwukah, the Minister of State for Education, has warned.

A statement issued by the Ministry of Education on Wednesday in Abuja said that Anwukah raised the concern on Tuesday on the occasion of the celebration of International Mother Language Day.

The statement, signed by Mr Agidike Onu on behalf of Dr Ihuoma Priscilla, the Director of Press, said Anwukah was represented by his Special Adviser, Prof. Godswill Obioma.

It stated that the Minister expressed concern at the sharp drop in the number of Nigerian youths who were able to read or write in their mother tongues.

“Our youths, especially those living in the urban centres, hardly communicate in their native language. I believe that the best way to give our children real knowledge of history, values and tradition is to ensure that they read and write in their local language.

“Language is the most potent instrument for preserving and developing people’s cultural heritage,’’ the minister said.

The statement quoted Anwuka as saying that the theme of the celebration, “Quality Education, Language(s) of Instruction and Learning Outcomes” was apt.

“It rightly coincides with the ministry’s effort to ensuring quality in the teaching of Nigerian languages at various levels of education.  Nigerian Languages that are taught in schools have become a veritable instrument for consolidating language skills and other life coping competences,’’ he said.

The statement quoted Mrs Magdalene Maidoh, Secretary-General, Nigerian National Commission for UNESCO, as saying that the Minister of Education was the president of the commission.

According to Maidoh, the President of the Nigerian National Commission for UNESCO has the mandate to coordinate all UNESCO activities in the education sector in Nigeria.

UNESCO proclaimed Feb. 21 of every year as the International Mother Language Day in commemoration of the massacre of Benghali speaking people of Indonesia for defending their mother tongue.

(NAN)