The Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN) has called on the federal government to reconsider the abolition of indigenous languages as a medium of instruction in schools.
The general secretary/chief executive officer of BSN, Samuel Sanusi, made the call in Lagos on Saturday during a news conference to announce activities for the society’s 60th anniversary on February 8, 2026.
Mr Sanusi said the abolition of indigenous languages as a medium of instruction in schools could undermine cultural identity.
“This issue is of concern to the BSN because it has spent six decades making the word of God available and affordable to Nigerians in their preferred languages and formats,” Mr Sanusi said.
On the anniversary celebration, Mr Sanusi said the theme of the event would be “Celebrating Impact and Building a Legacy of Hope.”
According to Mr Sanusi, BSN is a member of the United Bible Societies, a global fellowship of 155 national Bible societies operating in over 200 countries and territories.
He disclosed that BSN was currently working on 11 Bible translations and revision projects at different stages of completion across Nigeria.
The BSN general secretary said the anniversary programme would begin with a Bible exhibition on February 2, 2026, at the Lagos Bible Guest House, Palmgrove, Ilupeju.
Mr Sanusi said, ”There will be a Bible walk on February 3 from the National Stadium, Surulere, to Obanikoro.
“Partners’ appreciation dinner and the dedication of a second studio for the deaf Bible translation project in Ibadan would take place on February 4.
“Foreign guests will arrive on February 5 for a CEOs’ conference scheduled to coincide with the anniversary celebration.”
He said the Founders’ Day Lecture and Awards Ceremony would be held on February 6, to be chaired by former President Goodluck Jonathan, with Pastor Poju Oyemade as the guest speaker.
Mr Sanusi added that a thanksgiving service would be held on February 8, 2026, at The Covenant Nation, Lagos.
He also announced that BSN had produced a 13-episode documentary on its activities, to be aired on DOVE TV from late January or early February.
The BSN boss said a commemorative book titled “Six Decades of Impact: Transmitting the WORD, Transforming Lives” would also be publicly presented.
He disclosed that between 2014 and 2023, BSN translated and produced 222 chronological Bible stories in Nigerian sign language for the deaf community.
According to him, BSN spent over N105.3 million on the Sign Language Bible Project between 2023 and 2024.
Mr Sanusi said BSN distributed 7,870,296 copies of assorted Bibles in the last five years.
“According to the United Bible Societies’ 2024 Scripture Distribution Report, BSN accounts for 1.15 million out of the 5.45 million full Bibles distributed across Africa,” the BSN boss explained.
Mr Sanusi disclosed that the Macedonian Call project, launched in 2018, had benefited over 50,000 people in more than 20 IDP camps nationwide.
He said BSN planned to spend over N306 million on the project in 2026, subject to donor support.
(NAN)