Youths' dialect learning abilities and proficiency discrepancies recognized by university professor
In a recent presentation at the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), professors Dr. Ngozi Dom-Anyanwu and Prof. Joy Odewunmi, along with Prof. Oladayo Akomu, shared their research findings, funded by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) 2023 grant. The research, titled 'Teaching Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba Proverbs Using Colouring Books and Interactive Animations for Nigerian Junior Primary Schools', aimed to enhance the teaching of indigenous languages in the country.
Dr. Dom-Anyanwu, a lecturer at the Department of Nigerian Languages, Igbo Unit, LASUED, emphasised the need for more teachers qualified in indigenous languages. Her call came as the 2022 National Policy on Education prescribes that mother tongues should be used as a medium of instruction for primary pupils, and the three major Nigerian languages for junior secondary schools.
Prof. Akomu, from the Department of Nigerian Languages at LASUED, praised the Lagos State Government for offering Yoruba at the level of general studies in all Lagos State tertiary institutions. He noted that over the years, the Lagos State Government has tried to promote indigenous languages. However, he expressed concern about the usual practice in the past, where stakeholders did not always work on the outcomes of research in the field of indigenous languages.
Prof. Akomu's research focused on enhancing sustainable agricultural practices through innovative soil fertility management techniques. The research presented by Prof. Akomu and his team was the grand finale of their fieldwork experience. He urged the government to work on the outcomes of the research conducted on indigenous languages.
Prof. Odewunmi, from the College of Language and Communication Arts Education at LASUED, has called for parents to teach their children indigenous languages to prevent their extinction. She noted a gap in learning and proficiency in speaking Nigerian languages among the youth. She suggested that parents should make speaking of native languages attractive to their children.
The continuous decline in the use of indigenous languages has led to a renewed national pronouncement about adherence to teaching primary pupils in their mother tongue. Prof. Akomu mentioned that there are many other research opportunities on indigenous languages apart from the one they have just done. He emphasised that stakeholders should always work on the outcomes of research in the field of indigenous languages.
The call for action in promoting indigenous languages is not just a call for teachers and researchers but also for parents and the government. As the 2022 National Policy on Education advocates, the future of education in Nigeria lies in the effective use of indigenous languages.
