Train Linguists for Language Industry, Tertiary Institutions Urged

Universities must move beyond theory and equip linguistics graduates with practical skills for Nigeria’s growing language industry, a professor of linguistics, has said. Delivering the 282nd inaugural lecture of the University of Ilọrin titled “From the Mouth of Babes to the Wisdom of Elders: A Voyage of Language Exploration,” Professor Bolanle Elizabeth Arokoyo, emphasised the […]

Universities must move beyond theory and equip linguistics graduates with practical skills for Nigeria’s growing language industry, a professor of linguistics, has said.

Delivering the 282nd inaugural lecture of the University of Ilọrin titled “From the Mouth of Babes to the Wisdom of Elders: A Voyage of Language Exploration,” Professor Bolanle Elizabeth Arokoyo, emphasised the need to reposition language education in line with modern realities.

She proposed the integration of business, digital marketing, and entrepreneurial training into linguistics programmes to prepare graduates for opportunities in translation, language teaching, consulting, and artificial intelligence development.

“In the 21st century, language expertise must go hand in hand with innovation and enterprise,” she said, urging universities to produce linguists who are both academically grounded and economically relevant.

While addressing the urgent need to preserve indigenous languages, the Don called on government, academia, and communities to prioritise their inclusion in both formal and informal education systems.

According to her, this is key to promoting early literacy and ensuring linguistic continuity.

She called for full implementation of the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS), including the provision of adequate staff, facilities, and resources needed to train globally competitive linguists.

She further advocated for “Expansion of language documentation and research, with increased funding for preserving endangered languages and cultural narratives.

The language expert underscored the use of technology and media to revitalise indigenous tongues and make them accessible to younger generations.

“There is a need for stronger language policies and advocacy to uphold the linguistic rights of indigenous communities.

“Interdisciplinary collaboration, especially between linguists, technologists, educators, and policymakers”, should also be implemented”, she submitted