The National Universities Commission (NUC) has announced plans to introduce Tiv and Nupe as full-fledged degree programmes in Nigerian universities, a move aimed at preserving and promoting the country’s linguistic heritage.
The initiative, spearheaded by NUC Executive Secretary Professor Abdullahi Ribadu, will formalize the study of these languages at the bachelor’s degree level.
Experts from Nigerian universities have been engaged to develop the Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) for the new programmes.
Previously offered primarily as elective courses or research subjects, Tiv and Nupe will now have structured curricula designed to produce graduates with advanced knowledge in linguistics, literature, and socio-cultural contexts.
The programmes also aim to strengthen cultural preservation and prevent the gradual extinction of these languages.
According to NUC records, the lead consultants for the programmes are Professors Mary Adebayo (Tiv) and Rebecca K. D. (Nupe).
Supporting the development of the curricula are Professors Muhammad Alkali and Musa Bawa for Tiv, and Professors John Akosu Adeiyongo and Nguton Sambe for Nupe.
The panels also include NUC representatives Florence Onuoha, Chinenye Augustine, Kate Omotayo Onaiyekan, and Hadiza Kalla.
A four-day workshop was held at the NUC Secretariat from October 21 to 24, 2025, bringing the experts together to draft the CCMAS framework for the programmes.
Tiv is widely spoken in Benue State and surrounding areas, while Nupe is prevalent in Niger, Kogi, and Kwara states.
Graduates of these programmes will be equipped to teach, research, and promote the languages in schools, media, and cultural institutions.
