FG to introduce Tiv, Nupe degree programmes

The National Universities Commission (NUC), has launched efforts to introduce Tiv and Nupe as full-fledged academic programmes in Nigerian universities. The initiative, led by NUC Executive Secretary Professor Abdullahi Ribadu, seeks to formalize these languages at the bachelor’s degree level, marking a major step in the recognition and preservation of Nigeria’s linguistic heritage. As part […]

The National Universities Commission (NUC), has launched efforts to introduce Tiv and Nupe as full-fledged academic programmes in Nigerian universities.

The initiative, led by NUC Executive Secretary Professor Abdullahi Ribadu, seeks to formalize these languages at the bachelor’s degree level, marking a major step in the recognition and preservation of Nigeria’s linguistic heritage.

As part of the process, experts from Nigerian universities have been engaged to develop the Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) for the new programmes.

The move positions Tiv and Nupe as the latest additions to Nigeria’s growing list of linguistic academic offerings.

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Previously studied primarily as elective courses or research topics, these languages will now have structured degree programmes designed to produce graduates with advanced knowledge in linguistics, literature, and socio-cultural contexts.

The programmes also aim to strengthen cultural preservation and combat the threat of language extinction.

According to NUC records, the lead consultants for the programmes are Professors Mary Adebayo (Tiv) and Rebecca K. D. (Nupe).

Supporting the development of the curricula are Professors Muhammad Alkali and Musa Bawa for Tiv, and Professors John Akosu Adeiyongo and Nguton Sambe for Nupe.

The panels also include NUC representatives Florence Onuoha, Chinenye Augustine, Kate Omotayo Onaiyekan, and Hadiza Kalla.

It would be recalled that a four-day workshop was held at the NUC Secretariat from October 21 to 24, 2025, bringing together the experts to draft the CCMAS framework.

The initiative responds to concerns over the vulnerability of Nigeria’s more than 500 indigenous languages, many of which are overshadowed by English and dominant local languages such as Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo.

Tiv, spoken widely in Benue State and surrounding regions, and Nupe, prevalent in Niger, Kogi, and Kwara states, will now have structured academic platforms, preparing graduates to teach, research, and promote these languages in schools, media, and cultural institutions.