The Ondo State Government has announced the 2026 celebration of International Mother Language Day, popularly known as “Asa Day.”
The event is scheduled to take place on Monday, February 23, 2026, across all public and private schools in the state.
The Director of School Services for the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, Mrs. Olubunmi Ilori, noted in a circular released to schools that while the global event is traditionally observed on February 21st, the date falls on a Saturday this year. Consequently, the state has shifted the official observance to Monday, February 23rd.
Mrs. Ilori urged all principals, head teachers, students, and stakeholders within the education sector to participate fully.
To mark the occasion, all attendees are expected to arrive at school dressed in their traditional cultural attire.
The Ministry further clarified that the observance of Asa Day on this government-approved date is mandatory for all educational institutions in the state.
International Mother Language Day is an annual global initiative established by UNESCO to promote linguistic diversity, protect indigenous languages, and celebrate cultural heritage.
The theme for the 2026 celebration is “preservation, Promotion, and Intergenerational Transmission of Indigenous Languages as Instruments for Cultural Identity and Sustainable Development.”
Bisi Lawani
Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology