By Ikenna Nwokedi 

Scholars and education stakeholders have harped on the importance of preserving Nigerian languages in the era of digital revolution so as to save the various cultures and identities from going into extinction.

The calls were made during the opening ceremony of three-day 36th hybrid Conference of the Linguistic Association of Nigeria (CLAN), Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka holding at De Heavens Hotel, Awka, Anambra State.

Declaring the Conference Open, UNIZIK Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Carol Arinze-Umobi described language as a matrix of culture, identity, and social reality. The Acting VC, who was represented by Prof. Harry Obi-Nwosu disclosed that Nigeria is one of the most linguistically diverse countries in the world.

The Acting VC stated that the theme of the conference is apt in brainstorming the impact of the digital revolution on our languages and how best to make it to occupy the digital space.

In his welcome address, the Head, Department of Linguistics, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka and Chairman, Local Organizing Committee, Prof. Dereck Orji stated that the great gathering of minds is committed to the study, preservation, and advancement of Nigerian languages, especially in the digital era where algorithms play a pivotal role.

Prof. Orji described the theme of the conference as timely and transformative as the digital revolution is rewriting the story of communication, education, and identity. The HOD thanked the acting VC for her support towards the success of the conference.

Prof. George Onwudiwe, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, in his address, stated that in the present date, the digital revolution is reshaping every facet of human experience from communication and education to culture and identity.

The Dean opined that if the digital space is harnessed, it can serve as a powerful instrument in revitalizing our languages, documenting them, and ensuring their continued relevance in a globalized world.

Delivering his keynote address, the Secretary-General, Committee of Vice-Chancellor’s of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU), Prof. Andrew Haruna informed that Nigerian languages now confront a future defined by data. 

Prof. Haruna, who was represented by Prof. Cecelia Eme posited that languages are not merely a cultural artifact but an infrastructure of thought. The CVCNU Secretary-General averred that as Nigeria advances towards a knowledge economy, its languages must occupy digital domain to become active instruments of development rather than nostalgic symbols of heritage.

Other scholars who made their remarks during the opening ceremony of the conference were Prof. Greg Obiamalu, Director of CEP and former Dean of the Faculty of Arts, UNIZIK; Prof. Ayo Yusuf from the University of Lagos (UNILAG) as first lead paper presenter and Prof. Ihuoma Akinremu of the University of Jos (UNIJOS) as the second lead paper presenter.

The colorful conference opening also featured award of LAN fellowship to Prof. Funmilayo Olubode-Sawe of the Federal University of Technology, Akure; Prof. Ayo Mensah, University of Calabar, Cross River State; Prof. Ihuoma Akinremi, UNIJOS and Prof. Ayo Yusuf, UNILAG.

There was an award of excellence for support towards educational growth presented to Comrade Peter Nwosu, an award of excellence in linguistics practice presented to Dr. Emma Asonye, University of New Mexico and Dr. Ganius Abisote Bamgbose, Lagos State University as well award of excellence to the acting VC in appreciation of her support towards educational growth in the ivory tower.

The conference will also feature technical sessions with paper presentations on Thursday, 23rd, and Friday, 24th October, 2025.