The Federal Government, through the National Universities Commission (NUC), has commenced processes to introduce Tiv and Nupe degree programmes in Nigerian universities — a major step toward strengthening indigenous languages and preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
NUC Begins Development of Curriculum for Tiv, Nupe Degrees
The NUC recently inaugurated expert panels to develop the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) for B.A. Tiv and B.A. Nupe.
The curriculum development sessions were held from 21st to 24th October 2025, bringing together leading Nigerian language scholars.
Members of the Curriculum Development Panels
Tiv Language Panel
Prof. Muhammad Alkali
Prof. Musa Bawa
Nupe Language Panel
Prof. John Akosu Adeiyongo
Prof. Nguton Sambe
According to the NUC, this initiative is part of a broader national strategy to elevate indigenous languages, promote academic research, and ensure cultural preservation through formal university education.
Why the New Degree Programmes Matter
The introduction of Tiv and Nupe degree programmes will:
✔ Promote Indigenous Language Development
The government aims to strengthen Nigerian languages and ensure they receive the same academic recognition as global languages.
✔ Boost Cultural Preservation
Embedding these languages at university level helps safeguard traditions, identity, and historical knowledge.
✔ Enhance Research and Scholarship
The programme opens up opportunities for linguistic research, documentation, and academic advancement.
✔ Expand Access for Students
Youth from Tiv- and Nupe-speaking communities, and other interested students, can now pursue formal qualifications in their native languages.
What Happens Next?
With the CCMAS under development, universities will soon be able to:
Adopt the new standards
Prepare their institutional curricula
Apply for NUC accreditation
Launch the Tiv and Nupe degree programmes
The rollout is expected to begin once the NUC completes its evaluation and approval processes.
Potential Challenges
While the move is widely applauded, experts note some likely hurdles:
Need for qualified lecturers and language materials
Funding for programme development
Ensuring student enrollment and long-term sustainability
Creating clear career pathways for graduates
Conclusion
The Federal Government’s decision to introduce Tiv and Nupe degree programmes
marks a historic milestone in Nigeria’s educational and cultural landscape. It signals a renewed commitment to preserving indigenous identities, strengthening cultural pride, and expanding academic diversity across Nigerian universities.
