The National Universities Commission (NUC) has commenced the formal introduction of full-fledged Bachelor’s degree programmes in Tiv and Nupe languages in Nigerian universities, a landmark move aimed at preserving two of the country’s major indigenous languages.
Acting Executive Secretary of the NUC, Professor Abdullahi Ribadu, announced that expert panels have been constituted to develop the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) for the new programmes.
Previously offered only as elective courses or research areas, Tiv and Nupe will now have structured four-year degree curricula covering linguistics, literature, translation, and socio-cultural studies.
A four-day curriculum development workshop was successfully held at the NUC headquarters from October 21–24, 2025.
Leading the initiative are Professor Mary Adebayo (Tiv) and Professor Rebecca K. D. (Nupe) as chief consultants. Supporting them are Professors Muhammad Alkali and Musa Bawa (Tiv panel), and Professors John Akosu Adeiyongo and Nguton Sambe (Nupe panel).
The NUC team includes Florence Onuoha, Chinenye Augustine, Kate Omotayo Onaiyekan, and Hadiza Kalla.
The programmes are expected to produce graduates equipped to teach the languages, conduct advanced research, work in media, cultural institutions, and contribute to the documentation and revitalisation of Nigeria’s endangered linguistic heritage.
With over 500 indigenous languages, many at risk of extinction, the NUC says the inclusion of Tiv (widely spoken in Benue and neighbouring states) and Nupe (spoken in Niger, Kogi, Kwara, and the FCT) reinforces efforts to promote linguistic diversity alongside the dominant Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo programmes already in existence.
University administrators have welcomed the development, noting it will help bridge cultural and educational gaps while creating new academic and career pathways for speakers of these languages. Implementation is expected to begin once the CCMAS is fully ratified.
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com