The Initial Language Legacy and Culture (ILLEC) Centre, Minna, on Wednesday marked its ninth anniversary, celebrating a remarkable transformation from a modest classroom initiative in 2016 into one of KinNupe’s most influential indigenous language institutions.
Founded on November 19, 2016, by Manarakis, ILLEC began with a simple mission to teach Nupe Language to his four younger sisters. Unexpectedly, the initiative attracted learners from surrounding communities eager to reconnect with their linguistic heritage.
One of the earliest champions of the project was the late Prof. Samuel Tswanya, former Vice Chancellor of IBBU Lapai, who provided funding for teaching materials. Prof. Tswanya, renowned for his research predicted the possible extinction of the Nupe Language, later credited Manarakis’ efforts with reversing that trajectory, declaring that Nupe had been revived through renewed literacy.
A major boost came in October 2017 when Dr. (Mrs) Aishatu Ndayeko, a Bida princess, encountered Manarakis’ artistic work and became a strong supporter. Her financial assistance, daily guidance, and wider influence led to the establishment of a Nupe Learning Centre in Bida.
In the same year, the founder launched an online Nupe newspaper. Although the first attempt was hampered by financial constraints, it was later revived as a monthly digital publication.
The movement gained even greater traction in January 2018 when Manarakis was invited by former Chief Press Secretary Alh. Mahmud Abdullahi to become a Nupe broadcaster and presenter on Prestige FM Radio Minna. His programmes expanded the reach of Nupe literacy across grassroots communities.
After attending an international conference on Indigenous Languages in Jos in 2019 sponsored by an online supporter, Mr. Solomon Dakukum Manarakis formally established ILLEC with Basic and Proficiency programmes. Despite initial challenges with volunteer instructors, the centre overcame staffing limitations by training committed students to serve as assistant instructors.
ILLEC later pioneered Nupe e-learning programmes on WhatsApp, with Aisha Hussaina Idris Manarakis among the first graduates. The centre now offers Ordinary Diploma, Advanced Diploma and Masterclass programmes in Nupe Language.
Driven by continuous advocacy, Manarakis secured key institutional approvals: Nupe Language was adopted by Niger State College of Education Minna in 2020, followed by approvals in PSS Minna and UIS Bida for JSS1 to SS2 levels. His efforts also influenced FLAILAS to include both Nupe and Gbagyi Languages as General Studies courses.
Over the years, ILLEC has trained more than 1,000 learners through physical and online platforms. The centre also launched a free Nupe learning programme for married women, promoting literacy and supporting a renaissance of indigenous-language publishing.
As ILLEC mark its ninth anniversary, the management expressed gratitude to supporters, partners and stakeholders who have contributed to sustaining Nupe Language education across learning levels.
“May we continue to succeed in the name of God Almighty, Amin,” the statement read. “Congratulations to all of us, and happy 9th Anniversary to ILLEC.”
