Ohanaeze Ndigbo Launches Professorial Endowment to Promote Igbo Language and Culture
In a landmark step towards preserving the linguistic and cultural heritage of the Igbo people, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has announced the establishment of a Professorial Endowment Programme on Igbo Language, Literature, and Culture.
The initiative, managed by a Board of Trustees (BOT), is aimed at promoting scholarly research, teaching, and public engagement in Igbo studies. It is designed to stimulate academic interest and create sustainable frameworks for the preservation and propagation of the Igbo language and cultural identity both in Nigeria and across the diaspora.
According to a statement issued by the Board and published in The Guardian on Tuesday, the endowment seeks to “stimulate scholarly research and documentation on Igbo Language, Literature and Culture, organize conferences, and develop new methodologies for teaching and learning Igbo in schools and communities.”
Promoting Academic Excellence and Cultural Revival
Speaking on the programme, the BOT Chairman, Professor Damian U. Opata, said the endowment represents a visionary effort to safeguard the intellectual and cultural legacy of the Igbo people.
“This initiative is about securing the survival and relevance of our language and culture through scholarship,” Opata said. “By investing in our intellectuals, we are investing in the future of Ndigbo.”
The endowment, he added, will provide structured academic support for professors currently engaged in teaching and research on Igbo language, linguistics, and related cultural studies. It will also encourage the development of curricula, publications, and community-based projects that strengthen cultural awareness among younger generations.
Eligibility and Benefits
To qualify for the Professorial Chair Award, applicants must be tenured or full-time professors in relevant fields such as Igbo Language, Linguistics, or History from recognized universities. Candidates must also hold a doctorate degree and demonstrate a proven record of research and contribution to Igbo language, literature, or cultural preservation.
The endowment offers a total grant of ₦5 million, with an annual honorarium of ₦2.5 million for a two-year tenure. Renewal of the award is subject to satisfactory performance and review by the Board of Trustees.
Applicants are required to submit a formal letter of interest, a detailed curriculum vitae, a 10-page research proposal outlining the objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes of their study, as well as two academic referees.
Evaluation and Submission
The selection committee will evaluate proposals based on academic quality, feasibility, innovation, and cultural relevance. Applications must be submitted electronically to endowment@ohanaezeonline.com within 30 days from the publication date.
For further information, interested candidates are advised to contact +234 806 328 8540 or +234 803 716 0024, or visit the organization’s official website at www.ohanaezeonline.com.
The BOT Secretary, Professor Fred O. Eze, described the programme as a milestone in the intellectual advancement of Igbo heritage.
“This is not just an academic exercise,” he said. “It is a cultural renaissance project—one that will ensure that Igbo language and culture continue to thrive in modern scholarship and public consciousness.”
A Step Toward Cultural Renaissance
Scholars and cultural advocates across the South-East have lauded the initiative as a timely intervention to address the declining use of the Igbo language among younger generations. Many see it as part of a broader movement to restore pride and identity within the Igbo nation.
The Ohanaeze Professorial Endowment Programme underscores the organization’s long-standing commitment to promoting education, unity, and cultural continuity among Ndigbo worldwide.
