Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex C. Otti, has called for a research-driven approach to the use of indigenous languages in early childhood education, stressing the need for policymakers to respond to research findings rather than dismiss them because they challenge established assumptions.
Otti made the call on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, while chairing the 24th Annual Lecture/Symposium of the Fafunwa Educational Foundation (FEF) and the 19th Post-Doctoral Awards in Education at the AGIP Recital Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.
In a statement issued his Chief Press Secretary, Ctz. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, the Governor said the symposium, held in honour of Nigeria’s first Professor of Education and former Minister of Education, the late Prof. Aliu Babatunde Fafunwa, focused on the theme, “What Does the Research Say?: Mother Tongue Instruction and the Future of Early Education in Nigeria.”
In his address titled “Of Memories and Gratitude,” Otti paid tribute to the late educationist, describing Fafunwa as “a man of ideas, a dreamer and pathfinder” who believed in the transformative power of a trained mind.
“Ideas, as a wise man said, are the true capital, everything else is complementary,” Otti said. “True greatness is measured not by material possessions but by the scope of our impact and the memories that outlive our mortal frames.”
The Governor commended the Fafunwa family and the Foundation for sustaining the legacy of the renowned educationist, noting that the annual lecture had continued to provide a platform for meaningful conversations on Nigeria’s education system.
Addressing the symposium’s central theme, Otti called for a deeper examination of the role of indigenous languages in early education, acknowledging challenges including teacher capacity and the varying global relevance of local languages.
He, however, cautioned against rejecting research findings simply because they conflict with existing assumptions.
“If research establishes that children learn better when taught in indigenous languages, we should address the limitations rather than reject the findings,” the Governor argued.
Otti cited China, India and South Korea as examples of countries where indigenous languages, education and economic development have intersected positively, urging stakeholders to consider evidence-based approaches in shaping Nigeria’s education policies.
The Abia Governor also congratulated the recipients of the 19th Post-Doctoral Awards, reminding them that academic accomplishments carried greater responsibilities to society.
A major highlight of the event was the launch of Babs Fafunwa: A Life of Firsts – A Mini-Biography for Youngsters, written by Prof. Okey Ndibe and illustrated by Chibu Ndibe.
Otti, who reviewed the book, described it as an important tool for introducing young Nigerians to Fafunwa’s life and contributions to education, and pledged to ensure that children within his sphere of influence have access to the publication.
Earlier, Prof. Ndibe, while introducing Otti, recalled their decades-long relationship dating back to the Governor’s days as a student and young banker.
He described Otti as a trailblazing governor who had remained committed to his vision for Abia despite political setbacks earlier in his career.
The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Francis Egbokhare of the University of Ibadan, who identified the mismatch between the language of instruction and the language understood by learners as a major factor in Nigeria’s learning crisis.
“What may appear as poor academic performance can sometimes be a consequence of language barriers rather than intellectual limitation,” Egbokhare noted.
The Guest Speaker, Prof. Angelina Kioko of USIU-Africa, alongside scholars, educationists and policymakers, also attended the event.
