The federal government has transformed the National Institute for Nigerian Languages (NINLAN) in Aba, Abia State, into a degree awarding institution.
This upgrade, confirmed by the National Universities Commission (NUC), marks a major milestone for the Institute, which had sought this status for over three decades.
Professor Obiajulu Emejulu, the outgoing Executive Director of NINLAN, announced that the NUC has approved the Institute to offer full-time degree programs in a range of disciplines.
The new programs will include Bachelorโs degrees in Early Education, Business Education, Library and Information Science, Igbo and Community Studies, Igbo Language, Linguistics, and Mass Communication.
Starting from the 2024/2025 academic session, NINLAN will deliver these courses in affiliation with Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
Professor Emejulu expressed his satisfaction in leaving the Institute at a pivotal moment, having finally secured the degree awarding status that had long eluded it despite numerous efforts.
Emejulu urged the National Universities Commission and the National Assembly to expedite the review and amendment of the NINLAN Act to allow the Institute to award degrees independently, without needing to affiliate with another university.
He also called on the Federal Government to update the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Act to include the four Inter-University Centres, including NINLAN, Nigerian French Language Village, National Mathematical Centre, and Arab Village.
The outgoing director highlighted several other achievements during his tenure, including the approval of NCE programs by the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), an expansion of language offerings, and the launch of the Omenka App, which enables Nigerians to learn their native languagesย online.