Vice-Chancellor of Imo State University (IMSU), Owerri, Professor Uchefula U. Chukwumaeze, SAN, FCArb, has underscored the need to preserve Igbo language and culture. He suggested various ways to preserve it and called for stakeholders' commitment toward achieving a permanent solution to the endangered Igbo language.
Prof. Chukwumaeze made these suggestions on Thursday, March 19, 2026, while delivering his speech at the headquarters of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide in Enugu State, Nigeria, during the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Professorial Chair Cheque Presentation Ceremony, which marked the commencement of a research initiative on Igbo history, language, and culture.
Accompanied by Dr. Onyekachi Augustus Nwaozor, the Acting Public Relations Officer of Imo State University, Owerri, and Dr. Chinenyeze Amaechi, the Personal Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor, the IMSU Vice-Chancellor expressed great joy that there are people like the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo who are desirous of ensuring that Igbo language and culture do not go into extinction.
Speaking further, the 2024 "Odee of Odenigbo" stated that Igbo language gives him joy. He revealed that some quarters have projected that by 2030, Igbo language will go into extinction, and they have now moved their projection to 2050. He therefore prayed that by 2050 or before then those making such worrisome projections will see Igbo language waxing stronger, thereby forcing them to do a U-turn.
The first and only academic Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in Imo State, and ICHIE OSINACHI of Amucha Ebe Ise, hinted that when he was appointed Vice-Chancellor of Imo State University in 2022, one of the first things he did was establish the Center for Igbo Studies. There, people come to study Igbo language and obtain certificates. The person he appointed as pioneer Director of the Center is one of those just appointed as an Ohanaeze Ndigbo Professor in Igbo language and culture at the Department of Linguistics, Imo State University, Owerri, in the person of Prof. Frances Ngozi Chukwukere.
He, however, opined that some church leaders are among those killing the Igbo language. He cited examples of churches that refuse to allow parents to give their children and wards Igbo names. He suggested that there is a need to write to those churches to desist from such acts.
Prof. Chukwumaeze also hinted that while interacting with students who came to pay him a courtesy visit, he observed that some Igbo families bear English names as their surnames and wondered why such a thing should happen in Igbo land. He added, "Our governors can help us by enacting laws that will make it mandatory for job interviews in all Igbo land to be done in Igbo language, and those who can't speak Igbo should be disqualified. If someone can fail a job interview because of the person's inability to speak Igbo language in a foreign country like Canada, why can't it be applied in Igbo land"?
Furthermore, the erudite Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria highlighted that all universities in South-East Nigeria came together and agreed that Igbo language must be a compulsory Year One course. In Imo State University, if you don't pass Igbo language, you will not graduate. He also frowned at some diaspora Igbo sons and daughters who don't know or understand Igbo language and culture but come back to Igbo land to obtain chieftaincy or Ozor titles, or even contest for ezeship, as seen in some autonomous communities. He added, "If we keep quiet, a lot of things will go wrong".
He therefore commended the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta Mbata, and his executives for their good works and encouraged the awardees to live up to expectations.
Meanwhile, Professor Frances Ngozi Chukwukere, of the Department of Linguistics, Imo State University, Owerri, alongside three other professors, Prof. Ngozi Ugo Emeka-Nwobia of Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki; Prof. B. M. Mbah of University of Nigeria, Nsukka; and Prof. Nkoli Nnyigide of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, have been appointed as Ohanaeze Ndigbo Professors in Igbo language and culture by the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
The Professorial Chair, which according to the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide is for a fixed term of two years with effect from March 19, 2026, recognizes their exceptional scholarship and unblemished academic excellence in Igbo language studies. It comes with an annual grant of two million, five hundred thousand naira (₦2,500,000.00), contingent on successful annual performance reviews.
The research theme is: Digital Revitalization of Igbo Language; Corpus Development, NLP Tools, and Language Preservation.The professors are therefore required by Ohanaeze Ndigbo to engage in various academic activities and undertake in-depth research around their approved topics, which will be widely published.
The leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide expressed confidence that the professors' capacity and wealth of experience will lead to the realization of the body's collective quest for a deeper understanding and propagation of Igbo language and culture.
Earlier in his address, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta Mbata, stated, "The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Professorial Chair Cheque Presentation Ceremony is not merely a gathering; it is a celebration of Igbo's rich cultural heritage, a testament to Igbo resilience, and a commitment to the future of the Igbo language, history, and culture".
Speaking further, the President General stated that the National Executive Committee of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide is taking vital steps toward ensuring that Igbo cultural identity thrives amid the challenges of urbanization and global migration.
He added that the gathering was not only to present due incentives to deserving scholars but also to ignite renewed passion for the preservation and promotion of Igbo heritage. He also said, "The selection of the awardees reflects the excellence and dedication of Igbo scholars. The commitment to advancing knowledge and understanding of Igbo culture is commendable, and I am proud to recognize their efforts today."
"However, we must acknowledge the alarming reality that the Igbo language is endangered, according to UNESCO's report. This is a clarion call for us to take urgent action to preserve and promote our language." He expressed deepest gratitude to the members of the Board of Trustees of the Professorial Endowment Chair/Selection Committee, led by Prof. Damian Opata, for their diligent work and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Senator Mbata, however, extended a heartfelt welcome to the distinguished guests, whose presence, according to him, "signifies their shared commitment to this noble cause. Together, we have the power to inspire future generations to reignite an appreciation for our language, culture, stories, and traditions. Let us reaffirm our dedication to advancing Igbo Studies, ensuring that our voices echo not just in Igbo land but across the globe." He underscored the need to sow the seeds of knowledge, pride, and cultural appreciation, ensuring that the legacy of the Igbo people flourishes for generations to come.
Igbo dignitaries from various parts of the country attended the ceremony.
Dr. Onyekachi Augustus Nwaozor, is
The Ag. Public Relations Officer, of
Imo State University, Owerri.
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