Abia University to make Igbo Language a compulsory Course.

Gregory University, Uturu (GUU), Abia State, is to

introduce the Igbo language as a compulsory

course in the second year.

The news was announced at the 6th edition of the Igbo (Uturu)

Cultural Carnival, held at the university, by Prof.

Ihechukwu Madubuike, Director, Igbo Renaissance.

“By the next two years, the university plans to

introduce the Igbo language as a compulsory

subject for all students in the second year,” Prof.

Madubuike said.

“Whether you are Yoruba, Hausa or Efik, you must

take Igbo as a compulsory subject, in spite of your

area of specialisation.”

He described the Igbo language as the “soul of

the culture of Ndigbo,” stressing that the whole

culture will become extinct should the language

disappear.

Earlier, the traditional ruler of Oko in Anambra

state and a former Minister of Education, Igwe Laz

Ekwueme, urged people of the South-East to

preserve the Igbo language. He expressed regret

that the language was under serious threat, as

many families of Igbo origin preferred to

communicate in foreign languages, especially the

English language, with their children.

Prof. Barth Chukwuezi, a director in the National

Commission for Museums and Monuments and

Head, Educational Services and Training, noted

that the Igbo language ranked among the few

native languages in the country facing serious

threats of possible extinction. He advised parents

to use the Igbo language in their homes as a

major means of communication with their

offsprings.

The initiator and sponsor of the carnival said that

the objective of the yearly event was to provide a

platform for the transmission of Igbo culture from

one generation to another, among others.

He said that the theme of this year’s carnival, “Ibu

anyi danda,” meaning “Resilience and the

indomitable spirit,” of Ndigbo underscored the

numerous challenges and struggles faced by the

Igbo man.

Ibe noted that God had always rewarded the Igbo

man with huge success in his vocations and

determination to succeed in life.

The lecture on the theme was delivered by a

renowned author and publisher, Mr Chinedum

Ofomata.

Highlights of the ceremony included cultural

dances by various dance groups from 16 states of

the federation.

Different kinds of masquerades, including “Ijele”

and “Atu” from Anambra took turns to perform at

the event which attracted a large crowd from

within and outside the country.

Igbo Kwenu!!! LOL