FG to introduce Tiv and Nupe as university degree programs

The National Universities Commission (NUC), has initiated a process to introduce Tiv and Nupe as full-fledged Bachelor’s degree programs in Nigerian universities.
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This development was facilitated by the NUC Executive Secretary Professor Abdullahi Ribadu, to formalize the study of these indigenous languages at the university level to promote cultural preservation and combat the threat of language extinction.
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Academic experts have been engaged to develop the Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) for the new linguistic offerings.
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Nigeria is home to over 500 indigenous languages, many of which are facing a decline in usage among younger generations due to the dominance of English and major languages like Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo. This action by the NUC is a strategic move to formalize and protect this linguistic heritage.
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‎Tiv, predominantly spoken in Benue State and surrounding regions, and Nupe, widely spoken by many in Niger, some parts of  Kogi state, and Kwara states, have previously been offered mostly as elective courses or subjects of research.
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‎The new degree programs are designed to equip graduates with advanced knowledge in the Tiv, and Nupe language, literature, and also to educate them about the socio-cultural contexts.
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‎A four-day workshop was held at the NUC Secretariat from October 21 to 24, 2025, where experts drafted the framework.
The lead consultants for the curriculum development includes Professor Mary Adebayo for Tiv and Professor Rebecca K. D. for Nupe. They lead panels of other academics, including Professors Muhammad Alkali and Musa Bawa (Tiv), and Professors John Akosu Adeiyongo and Nguton Sambe (Nupe).
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‎NUC Executive Secretary Professor Abdullahi Ribadu stressed that the commission is working to expand curricula for more indigenous languages. The lead consultants pledged to work diligently to provide a strong academic framework that will enhance teaching and research activities in the two languages.
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‎Following the drafting of the CCMAS framework, the NUC will finalize the academic standards and proceed with the necessary approvals. The new degree programs are expected to be available for matriculation at Nigerian universities that meet the accreditation requirements for the linguistic offerings in the near future.
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