Conference Overview

The Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma, emphasized the vital role of language in shaping human experience during the opening of the 37th Annual Conference of the Linguistic Association of Nigeria (LAN) on Wednesday at the NOUN Headquarters in Abuja.

Prof. Uduma, serving as the Chief Host, articulated that language transcends its traditional function as a communication tool, highlighting its significant impact on society and human experiences. “Language is not merely a vehicle for carrying thoughts that already exist. It is one of the principal instruments through which human beings construct meaning, organise experience, preserve memory and imagine the future,” he stated.

He pointed out the importance of language in Nigeria, a nation characterized by remarkable linguistic diversity, noting that indigenous languages are vital custodians of history, culture, and knowledge systems.

Additionally, Prof. Uduma discussed the evolving landscape of education, noting that traditional educational models are increasingly being supplemented by innovative approaches, including Open and Distance Learning (ODL), which many universities are now adopting.

Welcoming participants on behalf of the Governing Council, Senate, Management, staff, and students of NOUN, he described the conference as a crucial platform for exploring how societies learn, name, and preserve their environments.

Conference Theme and Participation

The conference, themed “Language Policy, Power and Practice in Multilingual Nigeria,” has drawn scholars, researchers, educators, postgraduate students, traditional leaders, and various stakeholders from across the nation. Prof. Gideon Omachonu, the newly elected National President of LAN, remarked that the theme allows for an examination of the intricate relationships between language, education, governance, identity, national integration, technology, and development.

He noted, “This conference provides an important platform for us to examine these issues critically and to propose practical actions that can aid development, inform policy and impact society.”

Prof. Christine Ofulue, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Technology, Innovation and Research, praised the Local Organising Committee for their efforts in producing a comprehensive working document for the conference. She encouraged participants to engage meaningfully, emphasizing that the success of the event should be measured by the quality of discussions, knowledge generated, collaborations formed, and the impact achieved beyond the conference.

The week-long event features keynote addresses, paper presentations, and panel discussions centered on the role of Nigerian languages in education, governance, and technology. The 37th LAN Conference is also dedicated to the memory of distinguished professors and fellows of the association who have passed away.