By David Osundeyi
Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, on Wednesday hosted its 99th inaugural lecture with a strong call for the promotion of language equality and the preservation of indigenous languages in Nigeria.
The Vice Chancellor with the Inaugural Lecturer
The lecture, titled “Language Equality and Inequality: Talking Structure and Status,” was delivered by Professor Michael Ajibola Abiodun, a Professor of Linguistics, at the university auditorium.
In his presentation, Professor Abiodun examined fundamental issues in language and linguistics, including phonology, phonetics, morphology, syntax, semantics and universal features of human language. He stressed that no language is structurally inferior to another, noting that every language possesses a complex grammatical system capable of meeting the communicative needs of its speakers.
He explained that while some languages enjoy wider global recognition due to politics and economics, such social status does not make them linguistically superior. According to him, “no language is better, simpler or purer than another,” adding that peaceful and sustainable human coexistence is impossible without language.
The professor expressed concern over the endangered state of indigenous Nigerian languages, revealing that some are known only by name with no form of documentation, while others lack standardized orthography. He added that even major Nigerian languages are under threat as younger generations show declining interest in speaking, reading and writing them.
To address the challenge, Professor Abiodun recommended increased documentation of indigenous languages, urging relevant agencies to describe their grammatical structures. He also called on universities to allow students in linguistics and Nigerian language programmes to write projects, theses and dissertations in indigenous languages, while advocating better funding and empowerment of the National Institute for Nigerian Languages.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of EKSU, Professor Joseph Babatola Ayodele, congratulated the inaugural lecturer for what he described as a well-researched and intellectually stimulating presentation. He emphasized that the lecture reaffirmed the principle that no language is superior to another.
“No language is better than another and no language is inferior,” the Vice-Chancellor said, adding that the lecture highlighted the dangers facing indigenous languages in Nigeria.
Professor Ayodele also disclosed that the university had taken steps to promote indigenous languages through online courses, particularly in Yoruba, to enable Nigerians in the diaspora and younger generations to reconnect with their linguistic heritage.
Several dignitaries graced the event, including royal fathers, traditional chiefs, religious leaders, academics from other universities and government officials.
In a separate interview with the Inaugural Lecturer, Professor Abiodun reiterated that the extinction of indigenous languages would amount to a loss of identity, culture and humanity. He urged government to strengthen the teaching of indigenous languages, especially at the primary and junior secondary school levels.
The 99th inaugural lecture further reinforced EKSU’s commitment to academic excellence and national discourse on culture, identity and sustainable development.
