The Lagos State House of Assembly has
directed that teaching and learning of the language be made compulsory
in all public and private schools in the state. This is as a result of
dwindling popularity of Yoruba language among residents of the state
which got the assembly worried.
The House, in a Motion, ruled that Yoruba language should be taught for at least three periods in a week for proper effect.
Members
of the House, on the seventh year anniversary since the adoption of
Yoruba language for Thursdays’ plenary, bemoaned the non-familiarity
with the language often called “vernacular” in schools, particularly the
private ones, just as the “ban” on speaking Yoruba and other indigenous
languages in some homes is not helping matters.
To
salvage the situation, the house, therefore, called on governor
Akinwunmi Ambode to direct the state Deputy Governor/ Commissioner for
Education Dr. Idiat Adebule, to take a quick step in ensuring that the
syllabus of public and private schools in the state makes the teaching
and learning of Yoruba language compulsory.
Also,
“That we should convey a Stakeholders’ Summit to look at the challenges
in teaching Yoruba in schools as well as to ensure that Yoruba Language
is taught at least three times in a week both in private and public
schools.”
Prime mover of the motion
and the Majority Leader of the House, Sanai Agunbiade, said that it was
high time the state government rose in defence of the language and
Yoruba culture that are fast nearing extinction.
Agunbiade
added that it had become necessary to call a meeting of the Tutor
General, Parent Teachers Association (PTA) and all other stakeholders in
education sector to know their problems in teaching the language.
According
to him, “Most schools today do not speak Yoruba language again and
other indigenous languages. In fact, many parents frown at their
children speaking Yoruba. We should ensure that Yoruba language does not
go into extinction. Other people embrace their language, we should also
be proud of ours.
GuardianNGR
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