The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has hosted the 37th Annual Conference of the Linguistic Association of Nigeria (LAN), bringing together academics, researchers and other stakeholders to examine the place of language in Nigeria’s education, governance, culture and development.
The conference, held at the university’s headquarters in Abuja, was formally declared open by the Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Professor Uduma Oji Uduma.
Speaking as Chief Host, Professor Uduma emphasised the importance of language beyond its everyday use as a means of communication. He explained that language plays a major role in how societies create meaning, preserve collective memory, organise experiences and shape their understanding of the future.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, studying language also provides an important window into understanding human society itself.
He noted that the subject is particularly important in Nigeria because of the country’s extensive linguistic diversity. Nigeria is home to hundreds of languages, many of which carry generations of cultural knowledge, history and traditional systems of understanding.
Professor Uduma therefore stressed the importance of indigenous languages in preserving the country’s identity and intellectual heritage.
The conference is themed “Language Policy, Power and Practice in Multilingual Nigeria.”
Participants are examining how language interacts with education, national identity, governance, technology, integration and development in a country where several indigenous and international languages operate simultaneously.
The gathering has attracted scholars, teachers, researchers, postgraduate students, traditional leaders and other stakeholders from different parts of the country.
Professor Gideon Omachonu, the newly elected National President of the Linguistic Association of Nigeria, said the conference provides an opportunity for participants to critically examine Nigeria’s language environment and develop practical recommendations capable of influencing policy and development.
Beyond academic discussion, the conference is expected to encourage collaboration among researchers and institutions working on language policy, education and technology.
NOUN’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Technology, Innovation and Research, Professor Christine Ofulue, also encouraged participants to ensure that discussions at the conference produce lasting outcomes.
She noted that the success of such a gathering should not be measured only by attendance, but also by the quality of knowledge generated, partnerships established and the impact of the discussions after the event.
The week-long programme includes keynote presentations, academic papers and panel discussions focused on the use and future of Nigerian languages, particularly in education, governance and emerging technologies.
The event also reflects NOUN’s growing role as a platform for national academic dialogue while strengthening awareness of Open and Distance Learning as an important part of Nigeria’s higher education system.
For students and members of the academic community, discussions from the conference are expected to contribute to continuing conversations about the preservation of Nigerian languages and how linguistic diversity can support education and national development.
NOUN Update will continue to provide developments from the National Open University of Nigeria and information relevant to students across the country.
Source verification: Official NOUN News. (Nounnews)
