Education Minister Backs Indigenous Language Preservation at Yoruba Book Launch

Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, has renewed calls for the preservation of indigenous languages, describing them as essential for safeguarding the nation’s cultural identity and traditional knowledge.

He made the remarks in Lagos during the launch of Yorùbá: A Tonal Language Homophones, a new publication by author and linguist Bankole Olusiji Awosika. The book explores the tonal structure and linguistic richness of the Yoruba language.

The event, held at Moonstone Hall in Ikeja, brought together academics, education stakeholders, traditional leaders, students, and language enthusiasts interested in promoting indigenous languages and cultural heritage.

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Alausa described the publication as a valuable contribution to both education and culture. He noted that preserving local languages goes beyond communication, as it also protects history, identity, and indigenous knowledge systems that can benefit future generations.

Also speaking at the ceremony, Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila praised the publication, saying books that document indigenous languages remain important educational resources capable of inspiring younger generations to appreciate their cultural roots.

Awosika’s latest work examines how tonal pronunciation changes meaning in Yoruba and provides practical explanations of homophones, vowels, consonants, and the cultural philosophy embedded in Yoruba expressions. Guests at the launch described the book as another milestone in the author’s longstanding commitment to Yoruba language scholarship and cultural preservation.

Representing the family, Akinyinka Awosika thanked guests for supporting the project and expressed hope that the book would serve as a useful resource for schools, researchers, cultural institutions, and Yoruba learners both in Nigeria and abroad.

The ceremony featured the formal unveiling of the book, literary reflections, goodwill messages, and cultural performances celebrating Yoruba traditions. Participants also called for greater investment in indigenous language preservation, stressing that local languages remain central to cultural identity, education, and national heritage.

With the publication of Yorùbá: A Tonal Language Homophones, Awosika adds another significant contribution to ongoing efforts to document and preserve one of Africa’s most widely spoken indigenous languages for future generations.