Ogbonna Onuoha, a professor and executive director, National Institute For Nigerian Languages, Aba, Nigeria, has reaffirmed the determination of the school’s management to position NINLAN, as a globally recognised centre of excellence in Nigerian languages, multilingual research, indegenous knowledge systems and innovations.
Onuoha, in an address at the 8th matriculation ceremony of the institution, held recenrly, said that in keeping with global trends in language education that the management has prioritised transforming the institute’s language laboratory, by providing state-of-the art information and communication (ICT) facilities and contemporary language learning applications.
He stated that the initiative was aimed at strengthening language teaching, translation, interpretation, digital scholarship and multilingual research, while ensuring that the graduates are equipped with the technological competencies required in today’s knowledge-driven world.
To strengthen NINLAN’s role, as a centre for intellectual discourse and international collaboration, he said that the institution’s management has started to upgrade its conference centre to international standards.
He also affirmed that the modernised facility will provide an enabling environment for international conferences, professional workshops, policy dialogue and scholarly engagements, thereby positioning the Institute, as a preferred destination for academic and cultural exchange.
While congratulating the matriculating students on their successful admission into the Institution, the Executive Director, NINLAN, urged them to take advantage of every opportunity to develop themselves academically, morally and socially.
He advised them to read widely, think critically, ask questions, pursue innovation and prepare themselves to become worthy ambassadors of NINLAN and responsible citizens of Nigeria.
‘My dear students, today marks the beginning, not the end of your tertiary academic journey. Make integrity your watchword, discipline your habit and excellence your daily pursuit. Respect your lecturers, support one another, embrace diversity and always remember that your conduct will reflect not only on you, but also on this institution,’ he said.
Onuoha said that the National Institute for Nigerian Languages occupies a unique position in Nigeria’s educational landscape, noting that as the nation’s premier institution dedicated exclusively to Nigerian languages and cultures, its mandate extends beyond teaching.
‘We are committed to the documentation, preservation, development and promotion of Nigeria’s rich linguistic heritage, while advancing multilingual education, research and cultural preservation,’ he noted.
He expressed gratitude to its regulatory agencies and strategic partners, especially Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, for its continued collaboration and mentorship, the National Commission for Colleges of Education for its guidance and Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB)) for ensuring transparency and credibility in the admission process.
‘These partnerships demonstrate the power of collaboration in advancing educational excellence and we look forward to strengthening the relationships, while forging new partnerships with Universities, research institutions, professional bodies, development agencies and other stakeholders’, he stated.
Celestine Agoziem, Abia State Coordinator of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), who represented Is-haq Oloyede, Registrar, JAMB, commended the management of NINLAN for their efforts towards upgrading facilities at the institution.
He said, ‘I am highly impressed with the facilities available here, especially the ICT facilities and contemporary language-learning applications’.
He congratulated the matriculating students for choosing to study at NINLAN and urged them to be good ambassadors of the institution.