The National Integration Issue: A Case for Nigerian Indigenous Languages

Abstract

This paper explores the importance of indigenous languages in addressing the issues of national integration in Nigeria. It argues that Nigerian languages, as part of the national heritage, play an important role in forging unity in a multi-ethnic nation. It analyses the challenges of linguistic diversity and its potential for socio-political transformation, given Nigeria's history of colonial language imposition. It then provides an overview of the various language policies and initiatives adopted by the Nigerian government in the past two decades. Finally, it examines the effects of these policies and initiatives in terms of language revitalization, education, and national integration, as well as the implications for the nation's future. It uses descriptive survey and depends on the elements of qualitative technique. The data are drawn through secondary sources comprised both theoretical and empirical evidence of previous related literature, which suggests that language becomes an important tool for encouraging national integration and social change. It concludes by stressing the need for further research on the relationship between language and national integration in Nigeria.