By Chibuike Nwabuko
Abuja (Sundiata Post) – Human Rights Activist, Comrade Shehu Sani has said that making of local languages compulsory by State Universities is a good agenda packaged with hidden agenda.
The former federal lawmaker that represented Kaduna Central senatorial district in the 8th Senate who stated this against the backdrop of inclusion of Yoruba Language as a compulsory course for all students by Lagos State University, said it will achieve the twin goals of promoting local languages and driving away non indigenes who are not interested in learning any new language other than their own.
Shehu Sani who disclosed this via X, (formerly Twitter) said thus:
“State Universities making local languages compulsory will achieve the twin goals of promoting local languages and driving away non indigenes who are not interested in learning any new language other than their own. A good agenda packaged with a hidden agenda.”
Sundiata Post recalls that the Lagos State University (LASU) recently announced the inclusion of Yoruba Language as a compulsory course for all its students.
The new course added to the school’s curriculum from the 2023/2024 academic session is titled GNS 104 (Yoruba Language Studies).
LASU’s decision to introduce this course aligns with the broader national effort to preserve Nigeria’s diverse linguistic and cultural heritage.
The course, Yoruba Language Studies, is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the Yoruba language, one of Nigeria’s prominent indigenous languages.
It aims to equip students with language skills, cultural knowledge, and historical context, fostering a deeper appreciation for the Yoruba culture.
Speaking on the development, Professor T.M Salisu, the Dean of LASU Faculty of Arts and Humanities, expressed his enthusiasm for the introduction of the course. He emphasized its potential to strengthen students’ connections to their roots and promote cultural diversity.
“GNS 104 will not only enhance language proficiency but also encourage a more profound understanding of the Yoruba people, their customs, and traditions,” he stated.
The Yoruba Language Studies course will cover various aspects of Yoruba culture, including language structure, literature, history, folklore, and contemporary issues.
It will be open to students from all faculties as part of the General Nigerian Studies (GNS) program, reflecting LASU’s commitment to interdisciplinary learning.
Recall that the Lagos state assembly in conscious efforts to preserve Yoruba culture, heritage, and the use of the language in public places passed a bill in 2017 that made teaching of Yoruba compulsory for all schools in the state.
The assembly early this year also started using the Yoruba language for legislative activities.
Further recall that the former Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, had while addressing the press after the FEC meeting on Wednesday, 30th November 2022 said that the Federal Executive Council approved a new National Language Policy making the various mother tongues compulsory medium of instruction from primary one to six.
Briefing State House correspondents, the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, noted that the policy takes immediate effect.
He stated that the government is aware that its implementation will be difficult but it is necessary to promote the cultivation and use of all Nigerian languages.
He revealed that as of today, 29 languages have become extinct, leaving the country with 625 languages.
For this reason, he disclosed that the mother tongue will be used exclusively for the first six years of education, and then combined with the English language from Junior Secondary School.
Adamu said even though the policy has officially taken effect, it can only be fully implemented when government develops instructional materials and qualified teachers are available.
He further explained that the mother tongue to be used in each school will be the dominant language spoken by the community where it is located.
President Muhammadu Buhari presided over the Federal Executive Council Meeting on that Wednesday.