By Ozioruva Aliu

BENIN CITY – THE leadership of the Igala Students Association, National (ISAN) has raised serious concerns over what it described as the steady collapse of primary education and the alarming erosion of Igala language and cultural identity across Igala land.

The National President of the association who is a medical student in Edo State, Comrade Adukwu Vincent observed this in a statement he issued to journalists in Benin City on Tuesday addressed to traditional rulers, elders, government officials, scholars, and youth leaders where he said the burden of leadership has become increasingly heavy as the realities on ground continue to worsen.

He observed that primary schools across many local government areas of Igala land are in a deplorable state, with dilapidated classrooms, acute shortage of teachers, and lack of basic learning materials.

The Association cited education statistics indicating that Kogi State’s education budget remains inadequate, while teacher shortages exceeded 9,000 in secondary schools alone.

It noted that although the number of out-of-school children in the state has reduced from over 500,000, the figure still remains disturbingly high.

Beyond infrastructure and manpower challenges, the Association warned of a deeper crisis “the gradual disappearance of Igala language, history, and values from the state’s educational curriculum.

“While Western education has brought science and technology, it has also marginalised indigenous knowledge.

“Today, Igala language is no longer embedded in school curricula, unlike what is obtainable for other indigenous languages. As a result, many young people can no longer speak their mother tongue without resorting to English.”

The association further warned that the impact of this neglect would extend to future generations if urgent action is not taken. It identified language loss, cultural disconnection, and widening educational gaps as looming dangers that could lead to higher dropout rates, lower literacy levels, and limited opportunities for Igala children.

To address the challenges, the Igala Students Association outlined four key demands which are “immediate re-introduction of Igala language and culture modules at both primary and secondary school levels.

“Strategic partnerships with UBEC and relevant NGOs to fund and implement teacher training in indigenous language.

“Dedicated budgetary allocation to revive community learning centres that combine Western education with Igala values.

“Launch of a youth-led language revival programme, including scholarships for students who demonstrate fluency in Igala.

The association reaffirmed its readiness to mobilise research, advocacy, and grassroots support to drive these reforms.