NSUK Conference: Scholars Advocate Digital Solutions to Preserve Indigenous Languages
By Roseline Okafor, Lafia
Concerns over the gradual erosion of indigenous languages and cultural heritage dominated discussions at the 2nd International Conference organised by the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, Faculty of Arts, Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), as scholars called for greater use of digital technology to preserve local languages for future generations.
The conference, themed “Language, Indigenous Knowledge System and Religion in the Digital World,” brought together academics, researchers, religious leaders, and language experts to explore how technology can safeguard indigenous languages while promoting cultural identity and religious understanding.
Speaking at the conference, the Head of the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, Dr. Ishaya Owusakyo Oyiwose, said the programme was conceived out of concern over the declining use of indigenous languages, particularly among younger generations.
According to him, preserving local languages is essential for helping young people understand religion within their cultural context and ensuring that indigenous knowledge is not lost.
“The choice of this theme arose from a deep, genuine concern about the direction the world is going today. We must ensure that indigenous languages are not abandoned,” Dr. Oyiwose said.
He stressed the need for urgent action to integrate indigenous languages into the digital space as a strategy for preserving culture and promoting religious education.
The Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Prof. Adam Ayuba Binchi, described the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies as highly organised and praised the initiative for advancing scholarship in language and religious studies.
He reaffirmed the Faculty’s commitment to supporting programmes that promote academic excellence and expressed appreciation to the management of Nasarawa State University for its continuous support.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor of NSUK, Prof. Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Halima Aliyu Doma Kutigi, said language plays a critical role in communication, education, and religious engagement.
She observed that language has increasingly become monopolised, making it necessary for scholars to develop communication strategies that people from different linguistic backgrounds can easily understand.
“This conference came at the right time because language studies need religious studies. None of these languages should dominate others—all must be involved in the conversation,” Prof. Kutigi stated.
She commended the Faculty and the Department for organising the international conference to promote indigenous languages and cultural diversity.
The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Abdullahi A. Sule on Christian Religious Matters, Venerable Jibrailu Yarima Dabong, JP, encouraged participants to apply the knowledge gained beyond the academic environment.
He urged parents, teachers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders to actively teach indigenous languages to children in both urban and rural communities.
According to him, preserving local languages would enhance the spread of religious knowledge and strengthen cultural identity.
“If the theme is properly utilized, the message of religion will go beyond academics and spread to all communities,” he said.
The conference featured presentations from renowned scholars, including Dr. Abdulkareem Umar Bala of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, and Prof. Amodu Eneojih Jonah of the Department of English and Literary Studies, ABU Zaria.
Other notable paper presenters included Prof. I. E. Ukpokolo of the University of Ibadan and Zachariah Yoder, Director of the Summer Institute of Linguistics (SIL), Jos.
The experts highlighted practical strategies for preserving indigenous languages through digital platforms such as:
Mobile applications
Social media platforms
Digital dictionaries
Online archives
Multimedia educational resources
Digital documentation of indigenous knowledge
They noted that leveraging modern technology would ensure indigenous languages remain accessible and relevant to younger generations.
Participants agreed that the digital revolution presents a unique opportunity to protect indigenous knowledge systems, strengthen religious education, and preserve Nigeria’s rich linguistic diversity.
The conference concluded with a unanimous call for governments, educational institutions, technology developers, and cultural organisations to collaborate in developing digital solutions that promote indigenous languages and cultural heritage.
Scholars expressed optimism that combining technology with traditional knowledge would help ensure that Nigeria’s indigenous languages continue to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
