Indigenous languages gain boost as NUC launches Tiv, Nupe degree programmes in Nigerian Universities

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has started developing a new curriculum for Nupe and Tiv language programmes in Nigerian universities.

According to the NUC, its Executive Secretary, Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, has approved a team of experts from different universities to create the Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) for the Bachelor of Arts degrees in Tiv and Nupe.

The commission shared this information in a publication on its website.
The curriculum development meeting was held at the NUC Secretariat from October 21 to 24, 2025.

Professors from several universities worked together for four days to design the academic standards.

The Acting Director of Academic Planning, Mallam Abubakar Girei  represented by Deputy Director Dr. Esther Mmeka  led the experts to visit the Executive Secretary.

During the visit, Professor Ribadu formally launched the curriculum development process for both programmes.

He praised the experts for accepting the assignment and encouraged them to carry it out with seriousness and excellence.

Ribadu also expressed happiness that the NUC is expanding efforts to develop curricula for more Nigerian languages.

He said the initiative will strengthen the study and research of indigenous languages and cultural heritage.

Speaking on behalf of the development teams, Professors Mary Adebayo and Rebecca K. D., who lead the Tiv and Nupe units, promised to produce a strong academic framework that will improve teaching and research in both languages.
Members of the Tiv curriculum panel include Professors Muhammad Alkali and Musa Bawa, with Florence Onuoha and Chinenye Augustine representing the NUC.

The Nupe panel includes Professors John Akosu Adeiyongo and Nguton Sambe, while Kate Omotayo Onaiyekan and Hadiza Kalla serve as representatives of the Commission.