ABU’s Department of African Languages and Cultures holds International Conference
As part of their efforts in promoting the use of indigenous languages, the Department of African Languages and Cultures, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, has organized an International Conference on the study and significance of indigenous languages.
The International Conference, with the theme; “Indigenous African Languages as Instruments for Viable Development” took place at the CBN Center of Excellence, Main Campus, Samaru, Zaria.
Speaking at the occasion, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kabiru Bala explained that the conference was triggered by his response to a challenge posed to him by the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Education, due to the inability of Tertiary Institutions to adopt indigenous languages.
Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, Prof. Ahmed Doko Ibrahim, the Vice-Chancellor stated that language is not only an instrument of identity, but a tool that can be used for National Development.
Prof. Bala noted that language should not be a source of barrier, rather a source of strength, stressing that it is high time tertiary institutions begin to use English and Arabic letters to communicate in local languages.
The Vice-Chancellor said the University will continue to support the Department in promoting local languages, adding that the challenge remains to spare head that national endeavor.
Earlier in a welcome address, the Head of Department, Dr. Shuaibu Hassan disclosed that the purpose of the conference was to invite researchers and scholars on issues related to African indigenous languages to share ideas and experience.
The HOD expressed concern on how Nigeria is yet to adopt the use of indigenous languages in schools, despite being allowed by the 1999 Constitution as amended.
In a paper presentation titled: “Nation, Language and National Identity, in Nigerian and Nigerien Hausa Rap Music” a Professor of Mass Communication, with Bayero University, Kano, Abdallah Uba Adamu identified RAP music as a lyrical performance experience of African/Americans living in the ghetto.
Prof. Adamu argued that the perspectives to indigenous languages include; lack of specific language nationalism that would see the emergence of a single language as the soul of the nation.
Prof. Adamu, who is also the former Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University, Abuja noted that Hausa language has dominated and eliminated many languages in Nigeria and Niger Republic.
The University Don said RAP music came to Niger Republic from Senegal and that it had over 50 rules, emphasizing that the performing artists do lots of political critiques with their lyrics.
In a remark, Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umar Radda, PhD, lamented that students fail indigenous languages in WAEC and NECO without consequences, but if they fail English, they are denied admissions into Tertiary Institutions.
Represented by the Hon. Commissioner of Higher and Vocational Education, Alhaji Isah Muhammad Musa, Governor Radda described the conference as a forum that brought together experts to brainstorm on the pivotal role of African and Indigenous Languages play in the socio-economic development in the country.
The governor expressed gratitude to the Department and the University Management for coming with the initiative and expressed readiness of his government to support tertiary education.
In a goodwill message, Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli thanked the organizers for finding him worthy of invitation.
Represented by the Bijimin Arewan Zazzau, Alhaji Aliyu Sa’idu, the Emir congratulated the Department for the success of the event and wished all participants fruitful and successful deliberations.
Highlights of the event were questions and answers session and group photograph.The event was attended by scholars and researchers from different Universities across the Northern part of the country.
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Public Affairs Directorate,
Office of the Vice-Chancellor,
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Tuesday, 29th October, 2024.
