Federal University Lokoja Department of Linguistics Embarks on Landmark Documentation of Ọ́sáyin Language in Ogori-Magongo

The Department of Linguistics and African Languages, Federal University Lokoja (FUL), has taken a bold step in preserving Nigeria’s linguistic heritage by documenting Ọ́sáyin, the indigenous language spoken by the people of Magongo in Ogori-Magongo Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The four-day research field trip, which held from Thursday, August 28 to Sunday, August 31, 2025, involved over 100 students of the 300 Level of the Department, led by the Head of Department, Dr. Tosin Olagunju, and the Field Trip Coordinator, Dr. Mayowa Oyinloye. The team was warmly received into the speech community of Magongo for the rigorous academic exercise.

The proprietor of Lumen Christi Academy, Magongo, Father Leo Michael, provided accommodation for the visiting students and staff in the boarding facilities of his private school. Moved by the presence of a nursing mother among the students, Father Michael gifted the student and her baby the sum of ten thousand naira and provided special accommodation for her. He also distributed bottles of soft drink to all 106 students in attendance.

Earlier, the executive of the Magongo Development Association (MDA) and high chiefs in the community had welcomed the researchers. Speaking on behalf of the National President of MDA, Prince Jordan Akpata, the National Vice President, Mr. James Boyi, expressed the Association’s gratitude to the students and the management of FUL for selecting Magongo as the research site. An illustrious son of the community, Mr. Emmanuel Ikpelemoh, a lecturer in the Department of Theatre Arts, Federal University Lokoja, also played a pivotal role in facilitating the trip.

The 4-day research visit saw the students engage in intensive work on the Ọ́sáyin language with particular focus on its phonological, morphological, and syntactic structures. The documentation exercise is expected to contribute to the preservation, revitalization, and promotion of indigenous languages in Nigeria.