Imo State assembly considers law making Igbo language compulsory in schools

A bill to establish a Centre for Igbo Language, Research and Development aimed at promoting, preserving and restoring the use of Igbo Language in Imo State, has passed second reading at the state House of Assembly.

The bill, when passed into law, would make teaching and learning of Igbo Language compulsory for students in schools across the state.

Sponsored by Ekene Nnodumele of Orsu State Constituency, the bill may be cited as the Centre for Igbo Language Research and Development (Amendment) Law 2020.

The sponsor said it would also encourage the preservation of other aspects of Igbo culture and traditions, which many believe, would soon go into extinction if something was not done about it urgently.

Speaking at plenary on Thursday, Nnodumele canvassed the promotion, understanding and appreciation of Igbo Language by organising lectures, discussions, refresher courses, symposia, exhibitions, performances, demonstrations, quizzes, debates and other cultural activities to further keep the Igbo Language alive in the state.

“This bill is needed to encourage corporate bodies as part of their social corporate responsibility (CSR) in their host communities to initiate programmes and educational activities aimed at advocating and promoting the use of Igbo Language and further developing it,” he said.

Co-sponsors of the bill, Deputy Speaker, Amara Iwuanyanwu (Nwangele), Arthur Egwim (Ideato North), Chiji Collins (Isiala-Mbano), Uche Ogbuagu (Ikeduru), Michael Onyemaechi (Ihitte-Uboma), Emeka Nduka (Ehime-Mbano) and Uju Onwudiwe (Njaba), commended the Nnodumele for his ingenuity.