By MILLICENT IFEANYI CHUKWU

The National Library of Nigeria (NLN) has underscored the need for schools to teach students recitation of the National Anthem and National Pledge, in their indigenous languages.

NLN said this is to preserve cultural identity, and promote mother tongue.

Head of the Lagos branch of NLN, Mrs Obianuju Onuorah made the call during activities marking the 2026 Annual International Mother Language Day (IMLD), held on Friday at the NLN in Alagomeji, Yaba.

The 2026 edition is tagged: ‘Youth Voices on Multilingual Education”.

It focuses on encouraging young people, parents and schools, to promote the use and preservation of indigenous languages.

According to Onuorah, teaching students to recite the National Anthem and National Pledge in indigenous languages will strengthen their connection to their roots, and help preserve rich linguistic and cultural heritage.

“We must not allow our mother languages to go extinct; Nigeria has hundreds of languages and if care is not taken, many will disappear because language represents heritage, identity and culture.

“I am glad the Ministry of Education has directed inclusion of mother languages in curriculum; Parents must nurture children to speak their native languages from home while schools reinforce it,” she said

She recalled that UNESCO had warned that many languages face extinction globally, and consequently, harped on the need for continuous sensitisation to revive interest among young people.

Earlier, in her address, co-convener of the event, Mrs Ndidi Chiazor-Enenmore, described the theme as a clarion call for youths to deliberately embrace multilingualism and consistently promote indigenous languages across Nigeria.

She said there were several ways to ensure indigenous languages thrive, even amid technological advancements, which often appear to challenge cultural values and undermine traditional heritage.

“We can use technology through digital learning platforms to promote mother tongues; Schools can also hold language club days, enabling students to interact and communicate effectively in indigenous languages,” she said.

Chiazor-Enenmore urged the government to implement policies which will ensure mother tongue instruction during children’s first six years, adding that early exposure is crucial to sustaining indigenous language.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event attracted students from public and private schools across the state, and featured presentations promoting multilingual education as well as preservation of local languages.

NAN reports that the event was organised by the NLN in collaboration with Walnut Book Club, DDL Marketing and Consultancy Services Ltd., Everything Literature, and other corporate bodies. (NAN)

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