The Abia State Government has announced plans to make the Igbo language a compulsory part of the school curriculum.

Speaking on the initiative, the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, on 1 February 2025, emphasized the administration’s commitment to reviving the Igbo language.

“We must take deliberate steps to ensure that our language does not go into extinction. Making Igbo compulsory in schools is one of the many ways we intend to strengthen our cultural heritage,” Emetu stated.

The proposal aligns with broader regional efforts to sustain the Igbo language.

In 2019, the Imo State Government introduced a similar policy, requiring all students to study Igbo as a core subject.

The move has been met with widespread support, with many educators and cultural groups hailing it as a step in the right direction.

However, some have raised concerns about implementation challenges, particularly in private schools where Igbo is often overlooked in favor of foreign languages.

The full details of the implementation plan, including the expected start date and curriculum adjustments, are expected to be unveiled soon.