Prof. Wole Soyinka, a Nobel laureate, has emphasized the importance of promoting Nigeria’s local languages and culture to drive national development. During his visit to the Centre for Cultural Studies and Creative Arts at the University of Ilorin, Soyinka stressed that language is a vital tool for expression and a repository of a people’s history and community. He encouraged young people to learn and understand the language of their forefathers, highlighting the significance of preserving cultural heritage.
Soyinka noted that Nigeria is home to over 300 languages, and while learning foreign languages is essential for global development, it should not come at the expense of local languages. He advocated for the importance of reading, writing, and inventing in local languages to conduct research and develop the country. The noble laureate also emphasized the need to transform traditional ways of living into modern practices, introducing local foods, songs, and problem-solving methods to modern daily life.
To achieve this, Soyinka suggested starting by learning from the past, asking mothers and elders about their experiences and methods, and passing this knowledge down to children. This, he believes, will enable them to understand their origin and make informed decisions about their present and future. Furthermore, Soyinka stressed the need to make local languages compulsory in schools and for Nigerians to learn about their history and culture to take pride in their heritage.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, welcomed Soyinka’s visit, describing it as a moment of pride and historical importance for the institution. Egbewole expressed the academic community’s joy in hosting a global cultural figure like Soyinka, whose lifelong dedication to arts and humanities aligns with the Centre’s vision. The Centre for Cultural Studies and Creative Arts was established with the goal of contributing to cultural scholarship and global discourse, and with Soyinka’s involvement, the Vice Chancellor is optimistic that it will become a leading institution in its field.
The Centre currently offers programs at various levels, including diploma, undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees, and the Vice Chancellor hopes that it will grow to become a renowned institution globally. Soyinka’s visit and endorsement are seen as a significant step towards achieving this goal, and his message about the importance of preserving local languages and culture is expected to resonate with Nigerians and inspire a new appreciation for their heritage. By promoting cultural development and preservation, Nigeria can maintain its dignity and value as an African country, and Soyinka’s words serve as a reminder of the significance of this endeavor.
