The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has stressed the need to preserve Nigeria’s indigenous languages, saying they are fundamental to safeguarding the country’s history, cultural identity and traditional knowledge.

Alausa made the appeal during the unveiling of Yorùbá: A Tonal Language Homophones, a book authored by Nigerian linguist and writer, Bankole Awosika.

The launch took place at Moonstone Hall on Billings Way, Ikeja, Lagos.

The minister praised Awosika for producing what he described as an important educational resource that promotes indigenous language development while strengthening Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

According to a statement issued by the author on Sunday, Alausa said the protection of local languages extends beyond communication, noting that they preserve the nation’s history, identity and collective wisdom.

“The preservation of our indigenous languages is not merely about communication; it is about preserving history, identity, knowledge systems, and our collective heritage.

“Publications like this deserve to be encouraged because they bridge education and culture in a meaningful way,” he said.

He added that sustained efforts to promote indigenous languages would ensure that future generations remain connected to Nigeria’s diverse cultural and linguistic traditions.

The publication examines the tonal nature of the Yoruba language through its homophones, offering readers practical insights into pronunciation, meanings, vowels, consonants and the cultural values reflected in Yoruba expressions.

Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to promoting indigenous languages through educational and cultural programmes.

The permanent secretary described books on native languages as valuable resources that would help preserve Nigeria’s linguistic heritage for future generations.

Guests at the ceremony commended Awosika for his longstanding contributions to Yoruba language scholarship, describing the publication as another milestone in preserving one of Africa’s richest linguistic traditions.

Speaking after the unveiling, the event planner, Mrs. Ebunoluwa Akinwale, said the occasion celebrated not only the release of a new book but also the preservation of cultural heritage and academic excellence.

Representing the Awosika family, the author’s son, Mr. Akinyinka Awosika, expressed appreciation to dignitaries, friends and supporters for their encouragement and urged schools, researchers, cultural organisations and language enthusiasts to adopt the book as a useful educational reference.

The ceremony featured the official presentation of the publication, goodwill messages from invited guests, literary reviews and cultural performances showcasing Yoruba traditions.

Nigeria is home to more than 500 indigenous languages, making it one of the world’s most linguistically diverse countries.

However, language experts have warned that many of these languages are at risk of disappearing because of rapid urbanisation, the growing dominance of English in education and official communication, migration and the declining transmission of native languages from one generation to another.

To address the challenge, the Federal Government continues to advocate the use of mother-tongue instruction during the early years of primary education under the National Policy on Education.

The policy encourages pupils to begin learning in the language of their immediate environment before transitioning to English, an approach education experts say improves literacy, learning outcomes and cognitive development while supporting cultural preservation.

International organisations, including UNESCO, have also consistently called on countries to promote multilingual education and invest in documenting and preserving indigenous languages, warning that the extinction of any language results in the loss of unique history, cultural knowledge and traditions.