Ohanaeze Appoints Four Professors To Revitalise Igbo Language

By Cosmas Chukwu—

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has announced the appointment of four professors, as part of its Professorial Endowment Chair initiative, to help safeguard the Igbo language from extinction.

The appointed scholars are Professor Mercy Nnyigide of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka; Professor Boniface Mbah of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka; Professor Ngozi Emeka-Nwobi of Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki; and Professor Ngozi Chukwukere of Imo State University, Owerri.

Ohanaeze had pledged in 2025 to establish seven professorial chairs in Igbo studies across universities in Igbo-speaking states, to promote the language, culture, history, and research.

Speaking at the cheque presentation ceremony at the Ohanaeze Secretariat in Enugu, President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, John Azuta-Mbata, explained that the initiative was prompted by growing concerns over warnings that the Igbo language is endangered.

“We have received numerous reports from UNESCO and other organisations stating that the Igbo language is endangered and could face extinction,” he said. “This has led us to take deliberate steps to encourage research, documentation, and scholarly activity in the Igbo language and culture.”

Azuta-Mbata noted that the professorial chairs are part of a wider strategy to deepen scholarship and revive interest in the language. He added that the selection process was rigorous and that four chairs have now been filled, with plans to complete the remaining three.

He further disclosed that Ohanaeze intends to expand its interventions to include scholarships and bursaries for students, as well as digital learning initiatives via its website.

According to him, the organisation is also planning to train around 200 young people – starting with 100 in the first phase – in coding and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

He commended the selected scholars for their dedication and urged collective action to protect the language.

Professor Damian Opata, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Professorial Chair Endowment, also spoke, describing the initiative as innovative and unprecedented in the organisation’s history. He said the programme aims to stimulate research, facilitate academic engagement, and develop curricula for Igbo language studies both in Nigeria and abroad.

Earlier, Professor Fred Eze, Secretary of the Board of Trustees for the Professorial Chair, explained that the selection process involved a rigorous assessment of research proposals and academic credentials, ensuring that only the most qualified candidates from the region were chosen.

Responding on behalf of the appointees, Professor Boniface Mbah expressed gratitude to Ohanaeze for the opportunity and pledged their commitment to advancing Igbo language studies. He promised that, with sustained effort and collaboration, the Igbo language would not only survive but thrive for future generations.