In a bid to safeguard the Igbo language from extinction, the Abia State government has announced plans to make igbo a compulsory subject in its curriculum.
Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu disclosed this while attending the final day of the Igbo-themed competition, Ekere Mgba Akpauche, organised by the Catholic Diocese of Aba.
Emetu emphasized the importance of reviving the Igbo language, which has been overshadowed by English.
He lamented that the language is at risk of extinction and urged the South-East Governors to prioritize its teaching at all levels of education.
This move is not entirely new, as Imo State had previously made Igbo language compulsory in all schools in 2019.
The state’s Commissioner for Education, Prof. Viola Onwuliri, had stated that the learning and teaching of Igbo would be compulsory for all students attending primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions within the state.
The Abia State government’s decision has been commended by various stakeholders, including the Catholic Diocese of Aba. However, Emetu also criticized Igbo parents for neglecting to teach their children the language at home.
As Emetu noted, “The new Abia is interested in reviving Igbo language… and should be given a priority by the South-East Governors”.
