1. Prof. MKM Galadanci is the first Professor of Hausa Language in Nigeria, he strive to be the incubator of knowledge and orientation required to provide and create the change needed for national development and transformation.
2. Chief Wándé Abímbọ́lá (born 24 December 1932) is a Nigerian academician, a Professor of Yoruba language and literature, and a former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University).
3. Prof. Fred Nnabụenyi Ugonna is the first Professor of Igbo Language, Culture and Literature. He was born in Amaọkpara, Ihitenansa in the old Ọlụ (Orlu) province, present Imo State on the 12th October, 1936.
4. Professor Shettima Umara Bulakarima, is the first Professor of Kanuri Language and is now a Lecturer in the Department of Linguistics at the University of Maiduguri, Borno State. He wrote 50 books that are used in learning and teaching the Kanuri language and wrote a dictionary of the Kanuri language.
5. Prof (hon) Adamu Idris Manarakis is the first Professor of Nupe Language, he established the first Nupe Language Institute in Nigeria, he wrote about 30 Nupe books to his name plus the first Mathematics book with numerals in Nigeria. Manarakis is the Founder of ILLEC and a Lecturer with the Department of Nupe Language COE Minna, Niger State.
6. Prof. James Ortese Ayatse is a Paramount ruler in Tiv kingdom, he is the first to study Tiv Language. Recently, he was honoured the first Professor of Tiv language by the Tiv Language Development Association for his contribution in the study of Tiv language despite his status as a Chief in the kingdom.
Compiled by ILLEC, Niger State Nigeria. Please do your research well and let us know more of Nigerian Languages that has Literature and her first recognised and approved Professors.
SIGNED:-
ILLEC Nupe Language,
31st March, 2023.
