National Library sounds alarm as 29 Nigerian languages face extinction

As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark this year’s International Mother Language Day, the National Library of Nigeria has raised the alarm that 29 of 563 Nigerian indigenous languages are critically endangered.

Specifically, the National Library pointed out that local languages like Njerep and Ichen, are on the brink of extinction.

The National Librarian/CEO, National Library of Nigeria, Prof. Chinwe Anunobi stated this on Friday in Abuja at the 2025 International Mother Language Day.

Anunobi who underscored the need for educators to incorporate local languages into curriculum, also tasked them to encourage students to take pride in their linguistic heritage.

The Guardian reports that the event with the theme, ‘Silver Jubilee Celebration of International Mother Language Day’, also witnessed the public presentation of ‘A compendium of alphabets and numerals of Nigerian languages’.

While urging parents to speak mother tongue at home to their children, Prof. Anunobi stressed the need for students and researchers to explore and document indigenous languages.

According to her, the responsibility to preserve our mother languages does not rest on institutions alone but requires collective effort.

“Nigeria with over 563 indigenous languages as shown in the map of Nigeria Languages has at least 29 of her languages critically endangered, with some, like Njerep and Ichen, on the brink of extinction,” she said.

“This loss would not only diminish our cultural heritage but also rob future generations of indigenous knowledge systems and traditional wisdom encoded in these languages.

“Research shows that children learn best in their mother’s language during the early years of education. According to UNESCO, providing education in a learner’s first language improves cognitive development, fosters creativity, and enhances overall academic performance.

“Yet, in many parts of the world, including Nigeria, there is a growing shift towards dominant languages, leading to the marginalization of local tongues or indigenous languages thereby undermining the rich wisdom that they impart.

“It is vital that we address this. The National Library of Nigeria recognizes the importance of promoting mother languages not only for cultural preservation but also for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4, which emphasizes inclusive and equitable quality education for all.”

Also speaking, the National Programme Officer, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Stephen Onyekwelu, said the organisation is supporting the National Library in implementing a pilot project to document and preserve at least three endangered languages in Taraba State.

He said they will preserve these languages through community engagement, language documentation, and the creation of digital archives of live videos to ensure the survival of these languages for future generations.

Onyekwelu emphasised the need for a national committee to be established to create a strategic plan for preserving indigenous languages.

He encouraged parents and teachers to take an active role in promoting linguistic heritage by teaching children their native languages, thereby ensuring their cultural continuity.