EARLY CHILDHOOD ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA ( ECAN): YOUTH VOICES ON MULTILINGUAL EDUCATION."- BY PROF ABIDOGUN

Being a Speech by National President of the Early Childhood Association of Nigeria (ECAN) to mark the 2026 World International Mother Language Day with the theme, "Youth Voices on Multilingual Education."

The Founder 

The Former National Presidents 

The Fellows 

The past executive officers 

The current executive 

Distinguished and Esteemed Members , classroom Teachers and Caregivers Students, and other stakeholders 

Good morning to you all.

It is with great pride and profound respect that I address you today to commemorate the 2026 World International Mother Language Day, a day dedicated to the promotion of linguistic and cultural diversity across the globe. This year's theme, "Youth Voices on Multilingual Education," is timely and powerful, reminding us of the critical role that our youth play in the preservation and promotion of linguistic heritage, and the profound impact that multilingual education can have on shaping their future.

As the National President of the Early Childhood Association of Nigeria (ECAN), I want to begin by recognizing the rich linguistic diversity that defines our beautiful nation. Nigeria is home to over 500 languages, each of which holds unique stories, traditions, and knowledge systems that have been passed down through generations. These languages are more than just means of communication; they are vessels of our culture, history, and identity.

Yet, as we look towards the future, there is an undeniable challenge that we face in preserving these languages. The rise of global languages, technological advancements, and a shift towards urbanization have all contributed to the marginalization of many of our indigenous languages. This is where our youth, the leaders of tomorrow, come in.

The theme for this year’s celebration highlights a fundamental truth: multilingual education is not just about teaching multiple languages; it is about empowering the youth to embrace their cultural heritage while simultaneously equipping them with the skills to thrive in a globalized world. It is about fostering a deep sense of pride in one's own language while also promoting respect for the languages of others.

In early childhood education, we have a unique opportunity to lay the foundation for this vision. 

Research has shown that children who learn in their mother tongue develop stronger cognitive skills, better literacy, and a deeper connection to their cultural roots. It is through multilingual education that our children can achieve holistic development, making it an essential pillar of the educational systems we must build.

But let us not forget the importance of listening to the voices of our youth. They are the ones who will carry forward the lessons we impart, and their perspective is invaluable. It is crucial that we create spaces where young people are not only taught but also encouraged to contribute to the conversation about multilingual education. By incorporating their insights, we can create more inclusive and effective educational policies that respect both our cultural diversity and our global aspirations.

As we mark this important day, let us commit ourselves to the following actions:

Promote Multilingual Education in Early Childhood: 

We must advocate for the inclusion of mother tongue-based education in early childhood curricula across Nigeria. Every child has the right to learn in a language they understand, which will give them the confidence to excel in other languages as they grow.

Support Teachers and Caregivers: 

Our teachers are at the forefront of this effort, and they need the support, resources, and training to be effective in teaching multiple languages. We must ensure that early childhood educators are equipped with the tools to teach in both local and global languages.

Encourage the Use of Indigenous Languages: 

Let us encourage our children to speak, read, and write in their indigenous languages. This is not only a tool for learning but also a way to preserve the rich cultural heritage of our communities.

Engage Youth Voices in Policy: 

Let us create more platforms where young people can actively engage in conversations about multilingual education, giving them the opportunity to shape the future of education in Nigeria.

In conclusion, multilingual education is a powerful tool for shaping a generation that is not only globally competent but also deeply connected to their roots. On this World International Mother Language Day, let us honor the languages that have shaped us, and let us ensure that our children—our future—are equipped to thrive in a multilingual world.

Thank you all.

PROF ABIDOGUN BABAJIDE 

- Nigeria