NAN
Some educationists have commended the Lagos State Government for adopting the Yoruba language in conducting classroom activities once a week.
The educationists spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in interviews on Friday in Lagos.
NAN reports that the state government in February 2018 enacted the “Yoruba Language Preservation and Promotion Law’’.
The law declared Wednesdays as the Yoruba Speaking Day, mandating primary and post-primary schools in the state to use the language for all teaching and learning activities, starting from the morning assembly.
Mr Yomi Otubela, the Proprietor of Lagooz Schools, Agege, described the idea as a welcome development.
“The idea of Yoruba anthem is a welcome development.
“The local language is part of our children’s heritage and speaking it will go a long way in helping the child to develop.
“English, French and other foreign languages can only be secondary.
“Countries like France, Germany and China, among others, use their local languages for instructions in schools,’’ Otubela said.
Mrs Hajara Sani, the Proprietress of Hamdala School, Ojo, Lagos, also commended the initiative.
“We have been advocating the adoption of indigenous languages for academic instruction for sometime and we are glad that the Lagos state government has taken the initiative.
“Researchers over the years have discovered that children will do better if they are taught using their mother tongue.
“That will not stop them from learning and being proficient in the English language,’’ she said.
Mr Taiwo Kareem, a school teacher, also applauded the initiative.
“It is a commendable initiative which other states should emulate.
“I also hope that Lagos state will expand the scope; as setting out just Wednesdays might not be enough to promote the use of indigenous language in schools,’’ Kareem said.
Gideon Okorie, a Lagos resident, however, advised the state government to be cautious in implementing the law.
“Lagos state is not populated by Yorubas alone, the state government needs to consider other major tribes before passing this law.
“Languages like Hausa and Ibo should also be considered in the law,’’ Okorie said.