Discourse Issues and Ideology in the English-Based Mottos of Selected Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria

Abstract

Mottos are concise statements that express the values and identities of educational organisations. While previous studies (Akoto, 2018; Odusina, 2017; Ekpenyong & Tanyi, 2019) have looked at the stylistic, syntactic, and lexico-semantic analysis of mottos in various contexts, research on the discourse issues and ideological orientations of English-based mottos across Nigerian universities, polytechnics and colleges of education remains limited. This study aims at addressing this gap.

The study is anchored in Fairclough’s Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA). Using a qualitative research design, the study analyses a purposively selected sample of 31 English-based mottos of 18 universities, 5 colleges of education or technology, and 8 polytechnics drawn from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. Data were purposively selected from official institutional websites and publications.

Six discourse issues found in the mottos are technological advancement, knowledge and intellectual empowerment, pursuit of excellence, service to society, ethical development, and future orientation. Seven ideological inclinations found are theism, patriotism, legalism, humanitarianism, pioneerism, conservancy, and individualism. Theism is seen in references made to God while patriotism is expressed in loyalty to Nigeria. Legalism positions knowledge as a right, and humanitarianism shows community engagement. Conservancy focuses on safeguarding standards, while individualism is linked to self-reliance.

The study contributes to knowledge by demonstrating that Nigerian tertiary-institution mottos function as ideological discourse. It recommends periodic review of institutional mottos to promote alignment with contemporary educational realities. The study concludes that English-based mottos are strategic instruments for constructing institutional ethos and communicating educational aspirations.