Mother Tongue Day: Ondo secondary schools champion indigenous languages, cultural heritage

By Jimisayo Adebiyi

Secondary schools across Ondo State came alive with cultural displays on the 2026 International Mother Tongue Day as students and teachers celebrated indigenous languages and traditional values through colourful activities.

The event transformed many schools into centres of cultural expression, with students dressed in traditional attires, performing local dances, sharing proverbs and showcasing native cuisines in honour of the global celebration.

During visits to schools in Akure and other parts of the state, education stakeholders emphasised the need to preserve indigenous languages, describing them as vital tools for sustaining identity and cultural heritage among younger generations.

The President of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools in Ondo State, Dr. Fadekemi Jogbodo, said the celebration was aimed at reviving traditional values and encouraging students to appreciate their cultural roots through drama, exhibitions and language-based learning activities.

At Fiwasaye Girls’ Grammar School, the Principal, Mrs. Omobola Ojoge, noted that the programme helped students improve fluency in Yoruba language while reinforcing moral values, adding that quizzes and cultural presentations were organised to deepen their understanding of indigenous traditions.

Similarly, the Principal of Oyemekun Grammar School, Mr. Adeniyi Oluyide, described Mother Tongue Day as a strong platform for safeguarding cultural identity, urging parents and teachers to ensure that native languages are passed on to future generations.

Other school administrators, including Dr. Dorcas Asamo of St. Michael Catholic High School and Mrs. Olajumoke Ekpo-Jide of Adu Memorial Grammar School, stressed that education and culture are interconnected, noting that teaching proverbs, customs and indigenous languages helps shape character and leadership among students.

Stakeholders and parents who attended the celebrations commended the initiative, expressing optimism that sustained emphasis on indigenous languages in schools would preserve cultural heritage and strengthen the identity of future generations.