A Professor of Languages and Linguistics at the University of Jos, Plateau State, Prof. Lengji Nudiya Danjuma, has stated that the lack of frequent speaking of native languages has led to the extinction of many languages globally. Prof. Danjuma, a Professor of Generative Syntax, made this revelation during the 112th Inaugural Lecture Series of the University of Jos, held on Tuesday evening, to profess his Professorship in Languages and Linguistics.
The lecture, titled “A Verb is a Doing Word: Is it True? Explaining the Universality of Language,” emphasized the importance of speaking native languages to prevent extinction. Prof. Danjuma, from the Department of Linguistics and Nigerian Languages, Faculty of Arts, University of Jos, called on citizens, particularly mothers, to teach and speak native languages to children at all times.
According to Prof. Danjuma, “Lack of frequent speaking of native languages has made many languages go extinct across the globe.” He urged citizens to prioritize the use of native languages to preserve cultural heritage.
Prof. Danjuma’s course mate, His Royal Majesty Eze Felix Otuwarikpo, the Igbu Upata III of Nye Udu Upata Kingdom in Rivers State, attended the inaugural lecture and commended Prof. Danjuma’s exceptional work. The royal father emphasized the importance of research and encouraged the business community to utilize knowledge gained from such research to support government development initiatives.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, Professor Tanko Ishaya, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration (DVC), Professor Josie Ojo, affirmed that Prof. Danjuma merited his academic title of Professor of Generative Syntax. The Vice Chancellor also urged other professors who had not delivered their inaugural lectures to do so, describing it as an “academic sin” for an academic not to deliver an inaugural lecture after being awarded professorship.
The lecture was attended by Prof. Danjuma’s kinsmen, colleagues, former lecturers, and undergraduate students whom he currently lectures as a fresh Professor who received the title last year.
