The National Institute for Nigerian Languages in Aba, Abia State, is finally poised to receive a take-off grant from the Federal Government after waiting more than three decades. Prof.
Ogbonna Onuoha, the institution's executive director, revealed this during the institute's eighth matriculation ceremony.
NINLAN was founded in 1993 as Nigeria's premier centre for research, teaching and the awarding of degrees and diplomas in Nigerian languages, with affiliation to Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka. The institute has never received a take-off grant since its establishment 33 years ago, he explained.
"I am not blaming anyone, but the indications I have received during my 18 months in office suggest that the Federal Government will soon release the grant," Onuoha said. He added that positive momentum has built following renewed support from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board after Federal Government approval.
The funding will address critical infrastructure gaps across the institution's campuses. According to him, planned projects include perimeter fencing, internal roads and other development work needed to open up the facility's 209.5-hectare main campus.
Onuoha noted that such improvements would unlock opportunities for expansion and strengthen NINLAN's capacity as a language research and training hub. The institute has already secured accreditation from the National Universities Commission and the National Council on Education for all its degree, diploma and certificate programmes.
He stressed that NINLAN has sufficient human and academic resources to maintain quality standards. The institution currently operates 60 fully equipped language laboratories dedicated to teaching and research activities, he added.
The executive director expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and the Ministry of Education for including NINLAN in TETFund interventions. He noted that faculty buildings are among the ongoing projects expected to strengthen academic operations at the institute.
Some projects will finish within six months, while others are set to start soon, he said. Onuoha also praised the Minister of Education for driving transformative policies across Nigeria's education sector, crediting the ministry's backing for the renewed activity at NINLAN.
He extended his appreciation to Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti for supporting the institute's growth.
