Preserving Indigenous Languages in Nigerian Educational Systems: A Qualitative Study of Effective Strategies

Nigeria's educational systems often struggle to integrate indigenous languages into their curricula, leading to a decline in language preservation efforts. The study employed semi-structured interviews with educators, policymakers, and parents from various regions of Nigeria. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis. Indigenous language revitalization programmes that incorporate community-led initiatives saw significant improvement in student engagement and academic performance compared to traditional approaches. Effective strategies for indigenous language preservation include active participation of local communities, integration into the curriculum at all levels, and regular monitoring by educational authorities. Schools should establish partnerships with community groups to develop culturally relevant curricula. Policymakers need to allocate resources towards implementing these programmes effectively. Indigenous Languages, Educational Systems, Nigeria, Qualitative Study