Posted on: 06:33 Fri, 12 Feb 2016



The Lagos State House of Assembly, today,
directed that teaching and learning of Yoruba
language be made compulsory in all public and
private schools in the state.

Guardian reports that 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.

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.