Wole Soyinka urges Africans to teach native languages to preserve culture

Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka has urged Africans to embrace their native languages. He believes this is essential for preserving cultural heritage.

On May 19, 2025, he spoke at the University of Ilorin. He emphasized the need to safeguard indigenous languages for cultural identity.

His visit was part of the inaugural Culture Week organized by the university’s Centre for Cultural Studies and Creative Arts.

Soyinka expressed his commitment to supporting the Centre’s initiatives. “My purpose here is to help bring to life the plans of the Centre,” he said.

He described Ilorin as a melting pot of traditions and values. He compared it to Abu Dhabi, where he teaches at New York University Abu Dhabi.

“Ilorin is a crossroads of cultures,” he remarked. It is an ideal place to celebrate cultural diversity.

Soyinka acknowledged that the Centre's work goes beyond local boundaries. It has potential for promoting international understanding through culture and arts.

In a press interaction after meeting with the Vice Chancellor, Soyinka stressed language's role in cultural identity.

“Language holds the essence of culture,” he stated. “Africans must teach their mother tongues to sustain our traditions.”