Strategies for Indigenous Language Preservation in Nigerian Educational Systems

Indigenous languages in Nigeria are facing significant challenges due to the dominance of English and Hausa in educational systems, leading to a loss of linguistic diversity. A qualitative approach was employed through semi-structured interviews with educators and community leaders in selected regions of Nigeria. Focus groups were also conducted to gather insights from students and parents. The analysis revealed that embedding indigenous language education into the curriculum, alongside mother-tongue teaching methods, significantly improved student engagement and retention rates up to 75% in some schools. Effective strategies for preserving indigenous languages in Nigerian educational systems include curriculum integration and mother-tongue teaching methodologies. Schools should integrate indigenous language education into the existing curricula and provide professional development opportunities for educators in these methods. Indigenous Languages, Educational Preservation, Curriculum Integration, Mother-Tongue Teaching