LASU Champions Linguistic Heritage at 2026 International Mother Language Day Celebration

The Lagos State University's Centre for Yoruba Studies has successfully held the International Mother Language Day celebration on Tuesday, 24th February 2026, at Aderemi Makanjuola Lecture Theatre, LASU Main Campus, Ojo, Lagos.

The event drew scholars, students, and language advocates to reflect on the future of indigenous languages in a digital age. 

The members of the Centre and invited guests had earlier in the day paid a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola OLATUNJI-BELLO, mni, NPOM and other members of the university management in commemoration of the International Mother Language Day.

The visitation team, which included the Director of the Centre for Yoruba Studies, Professor Ahmed ADESANYA; HRM Oba Yisa Sola Adeniyi OLANIYAN, Onipokia of Ipokia, Ogun State, represented by Chief Robert AKINLOLU, the Aro of Ipokia Kingdom; Dr Titilayo ONADIPE-SHALOM, Acting Head of Department of Linguistics; Head, African Languages and Communication Arts, Professor Dayo AKANMU; Immediate Past Dean of the Faculty of Science, Professor Moses AKANBI; Ace broadcaster (IFANKALELUYA) of Fresh FM; and members of the Yoruba Wikimedia Working Group, were warmly received by the University Management.

The team lead, Director of the Centre for Yoruba Studies, Prof. Ahmed ADESANYA, expressed his gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola OLATUNJI-BELLO, for the enabling environment and recognition of the mother language.

Speaking during the visit, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Professor Oseni Taiwo AFISI who represented the Vice-Chancellor, emphasised the need to promote the use of indigenous languages, particularly Yoruba, to ensure their continued growth and preservation. He warned that without deliberate efforts, the language could face the risk of endangerment.

In his remarks, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Oluwatoyin ENIKUOMEHIN, expressed delight at hosting the royal father. He also recalled a prior agreement with the Vice-Chancellor that Senate meetings would be conducted in Yoruba on Wednesdays as part of efforts to institutionalise the language within the university system.

At the main event, while delivering his welcome address, the Director of the Centre for Yoruba Studies, Professor Ahmed ADESANYA, urged the audience to embrace and preserve their mother tongue. He lamented that many of Yoruba origin no longer speak their language with their children at home, and strongly encouraged families to consciously promote the use of their native language within the household.

His Royal Majesty, Oba Yisa Sola Adeniyi OLANIYAN, the Onipokia of Ipokia, Ogun State, who was represented by Chief Robert AKINLOLU, the Aro of Ipokia Kingdom, expressed appreciation to the University Management for the initiative. He also charged students to take pride in and actively embrace their indigenous language as a vital part of their identity and heritage.

Similarly, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Professor Ayotunde AYODELE, reaffirmed that the youths are the custodians of the nation’s cultural heritage. He encouraged them to safeguard and promote their culture and mother tongue.

In the same vein, the Community Leader of the Yoruba Wikipedia Group, Dr Isaac OLATUNDE, represented by Mr Michael *SODIQ*, advised the young people to remain rooted in their cultural values and to consciously embrace and promote their language.

The keynote speaker and Immediate Past Dean, Faculty of Science, Professor Moses AKANBI, spoke on the theme of multilingual learning and the role of technology in advancing indigenous languages. He stressed that multilingualism is not merely a matter of cultural nostalgia, but a driver of cognitive development and intellectual growth. According to him, multilingual learning represents cognitive expansion, noting that research consistently shows that multilingual individuals demonstrate stronger executive function and mental flexibility. 

He argued that no single language can adequately carry the full weight of human understanding, emphasising the need for inclusive linguistic engagement in education and national development.

Speaking on technology as the "decoding force" of the present generation, Professor AKANBI warned that indigenous languages risk gradual disappearance from global relevance if they remain absent from digital systems and platforms. He added that languages not actively spoken or integrated into technological spaces may slowly go into extinction. 

Focusing on Yoruba, he maintained that the language is neither simplistic nor outdated but structurally precise and intellectually rich. He explained that tonal variations in Yoruba fundamentally shape meaning, underscoring the depth and sophistication embedded in the language.

The workshop concluded with a call for structured integration of indigenous languages into formal education, digital innovation, and policy frameworks.

Participants agreed that the challenge facing indigenous languages is not a lack of heritage, but the absence of deliberate and systematic inclusion in contemporary systems.

The event reaffirmed LASU's commitment to promoting linguistic diversity and strengthening indigenous language scholarship in Nigeria and beyond.