Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, and the Anambra Central People's Forum (ACPF) are set to deepen their collaboration in advancing the preservation and promotion of the...
Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, and the Anambra Central People's Forum (ACPF) are set to deepen their collaboration in advancing the preservation and promotion of the Igbo language through the fifth edition of the Annual State-wide Igbo Language Essay Competition.
The commitment was reaffirmed during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Forum to the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, where discussions centred on preparations for the forthcoming competition and the University's continued partnership in the initiative.
The essay competition, organised in honour of the University's former Vice-Chancellor, Emeritus Prof. Pita Ejiofor, has continued to serve as a flagship educational and cultural programme aimed at encouraging secondary school students across Anambra State to develop proficiency in the Igbo language while promoting academic excellence and cultural pride.
Speaking during the visit, the Project Director of the Forum, Hon. Achebe Chris, described the competition as a strategic intervention designed to preserve the rich linguistic and cultural heritage of the Igbo people by inspiring younger generations to embrace their mother tongue.
He recalled that the previous edition attracted wide participation from schools across the state, with students of UNIZIK High School, Awka, emerging overall winners. He noted that their exceptional performance reflected the University's long-standing reputation for academic excellence and its commitment to promoting indigenous languages.
According to Hon. Achebe, the delegation visited the Vice-Chancellor to formally intimate him of preparations for the fifth edition of the competition, invite him to the grand finale and prize presentation ceremony, and solicit the University's continued support towards sustaining the initiative.
Responding, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, commended the Anambra Central People's Forum for its unwavering commitment to preserving the Igbo language, describing the initiative as one that aligns perfectly with the University's vision of promoting academic excellence, cultural identity, and national development.
He emphasised that language remains the soul of every people and an enduring symbol of their history, identity, and values, stressing that preserving indigenous languages is essential to sustaining the nation's cultural heritage. He added that programmes such as the essay competition provide an important platform for young people to appreciate their roots while developing intellectually.
Prof. Anyaehie assured the delegation that the University would carefully consider their requests and offer the necessary support within its capacity to ensure the continued success of the competition. He expressed confidence that stronger partnerships between higher institutions and socio-cultural organisations would further strengthen the teaching, learning, and appreciation of the Igbo language among younger generations.
The visit ended with both the University Management and the Anambra Central People's Forum reaffirming their shared resolve to build enduring partnerships that promote quality education, preserve cultural heritage, and secure the future of the Igbo language for generations to come.
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