Abia State to Introduce Igbo Language as a Mandatory Subject in Schools

The Abia State government has announced plans to make the Igbo language a compulsory subject in its education curriculum to help preserve the language and prevent its extinction.

This announcement was made by the Deputy Governor, Ikechukwu Emetu, who attended the final day of an Igbo-themed competition, “Ekere Mgba Akpauche,” organized by the Catholic Diocese of Aba, Abia State, as a guest of honor.

In his words, “the new Abia is interested in reviving Igbo language by trying to see how we will make Igbo compulsory in the curriculum and should be given a priority by the South-East Governors while making it compulsory at all levels of education.”

He expressed concern that the Igbo language had been largely replaced by English, reinforcing predictions that it could soon become extinct.

Emetu praised the Catholic Diocese of Aba and other organizations for their dedication to revitalizing and promoting the Igbo language.

However, he lamented that many Igbo parents and guardians had contributed to the decline of the language’s status and richness by avoiding its use in their homes.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Bishop of Aba Diocese, Rt. Rev. Augustine Echema, expressed appreciation for the Deputy Governor, Emetu, and the Abia State government’s support in reviving the Igbo language.

He also commended Rev. Fr. Onyinye Anaeto for initiating an Igbo-themed program specifically for students.