IBIYEMI AJADI,ACE BROADCASTER MAKE CASE FOR YORUBA LANGUAGE AS COMPULSORY SUBJECT IN SCHOOLS
A veteran Yoruba broadcaster, Ibiyemi Ajadi has called on government in the South-West of Nigeria to make Yoruba language,a compulsory subject in schools.
She said this on Thursday while delivering a lecture on indigenous language, at Jaw-Jaw Africa In-House Intensive Training and Student Fellowship Programme held at Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library,Abeokuta.
Ajadi noted that it is disheartening that, the rich language is gradually going into extinction because of non-challance of government, parents and guardians.
She emphasised that, making the subject a must in the academic calendar was the only way to revive it’s lost glory,stressing that influx of private schools also contributed to the dwindling of the language.
Ajadi explained that,investigation also revealed that,majority of the private schools does not encourage Yoruba language as one of the subjects, which should be condemned in all ramifications.
She said, it was disgusting to see that, foreigners coming to learn Yoruba language at the expense of the original owners, stressing that if care was not taken, the foreigners may in the future become teachers of the language.
‘I can confirm to you that,some foreigners are presently at University of Ibadan studying Yoruba language, and if we are not careful, in another few years, they may become Yoruba teachers for the yorubas’,she said.
In similar vein, the guest lecturer lamented that, the Yoruba culture and tradition are heading towards collapse,and called for its revival before it get too late.
She said, it was no more news that number of foreigners are in Nigeria,studying rudiments of Yoruba culture and tradition,which also include learning and training on beating of drum.
Earlier in his welcome speech,the convener of the project,Victor Mark explained that,participants were drawn mostly from the Winners Students at the Ogun State Finals of the competition
He said,the best students at the training will represent Ogun State in subsequent competitions at the Zonal and National Level.
‘Training is targeted at enhancing the public speaking skills of the students, respect for Indigenous Language and Culture, Attitude, Character and Cohabiting’,he stated.
Pix Attached: Ibiyemi Ajadi while delivering lecture/cross section of students participants
