The Department of Languages and Linguistics, Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Abakaliki, has called for urgent investment in indigenous language preservation, warning that the increasing dominance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital technologies could accelerate the erosion of Nigeria's linguistic and cultural heritage.
The call was made at the 4th EBSULING International Conference 2026, organised by the department under the theme, **"Language, Communication and Society in an Era of Disruptive Technologies."**
Declaring the conference open on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Michael Ugota Awoke, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Professor Ike-Elechi Ogba, described language as the bedrock of human existence, identity and communication.
Professor Ogba maintained that no society could achieve meaningful development without investing in its people and preserving the communication systems through which its history, values and knowledge were transmitted.
Drawing inspiration from the biblical account of creation, he challenged academics and students to appreciate the historical and developmental significance of language, noting that it remained a vital instrument for human interaction, knowledge creation and societal advancement.
Earlier, the Head of Department, Dr Goodluck Nwode, said the conference was designed to examine the survival of indigenous languages in an increasingly technology-driven world, particularly with the growing adoption of AI-powered translation and communication tools.
While acknowledging the benefits of artificial intelligence, Dr Nwode cautioned that poorly developed translation technologies could distort the meanings, expressions and cultural contexts of indigenous languages, thereby contributing to their gradual extinction.
He expressed concern over inadequate funding for language research, documentation and translation, observing that the lack of financial support had continued to limit the contributions of scholars and other intellectuals working to advance indigenous languages.
The HOD appealed to government, philanthropists, corporate organisations and parents to invest in indigenous language development, particularly Igbo, through research grants, documentation projects and the promotion of mother-tongue communication in homes and schools.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Occasion, Chief Ogbu Igwe Nweze, called on stakeholders to accord indigenous languages greater attention, describing them as important repositories of history, cultural knowledge, traditional values and collective identity.
Chief Nweze advocated stronger collaboration among researchers, government institutions and technology developers to ensure that Nigerian languages received adequate representation in digital translation platforms.
He stressed that promoting indigenous languages should complement, rather than undermine, the acquisition and use of international languages.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Dr Jerry Anene Nwankwegu, described the conference as an important intellectual platform for examining the disruptive impact of emerging technologies and identifying ways of harnessing their benefits.
He said the gathering was intended to stimulate scholarly discussions on how technology was transforming human activities and how society could actively participate in shaping the future.
The Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Professor Nkechi Emma-Echiegu, commended the department for sustaining its commitment to research and innovation, while urging parents to take responsibility for teaching their children indigenous languages to ensure their continued transmission across generations.
A major highlight of the conference was the award of postgraduate degree scholarships to three scholars to undertake studies in Igbo culture and linguistics, with their research projects to be written in the Igbo language.
The scholarships are being sponsored by Professor Ike-Elechi Ogba, Chief Orgbu Igwe Nweze and Barrister Dr Ebeh Jideofor.
The event also featured award presentations and the conferment of chieftaincy titles on deserving individuals, with the ceremony officiated by His Royal Highness, Eze Dominic Aloh.
The development further underscores the growing commitment of tertiary institutions in Ebonyi State to preserving indigenous languages, strengthening cultural identity and promoting locally relevant scholarship.
It also comes against the backdrop of efforts by Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike (AE-FUNAI), which has attracted attention for its innovative approach to localising research, addressing societal challenges and promoting indigenous scholarship through the encouragement of academic writing in both English and local languages.
As technological advancement continues to reshape communication and knowledge production, the renewed calls from academics and cultural stakeholders highlight the need for deliberate policies, adequate funding and institutional commitment to ensure that Nigeria's indigenous languages are not left behind in the digital age.
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