Yoruba Language Advocacy: "Gege Bi China, Japan, E Se Ofin Lilo Ede Yoruba Fun Eko Ni Awon Ile Iwe" - Egbe Akomolede ati Asa Yoruba Cries Out
By: Olufemi Orunsola
Rising from the 49th edition of its Annual National Conference (ANC) and General Meeting, the Association of Yoruba Language and Culture ( Egbe Akomolede ati Asa Yoruba) has appealed to the government to adopt use of mother tongues as the primary language of teaching and instruction in the country.
The pro-indigenous language association made the passionate appeal in its conference communique made available to OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News on Sunday in Abeokuta by the National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Bunmi Ayelaagbe.
The association, citing the example of technologically advanced countries like China and Japan, observed and insisted that, if Nigeria truly wants her educational system to develop in all ramifications, the country must resort to the use of Indigenous languages in the teaching-learning of science and technology.
OTN News further reports that the 49th conference of the association took place in Osun State, where the National President of the association, Feyisike Aliu and the associations secretary, Ibilola Afolabi, took turns to make presentations at the Conference which enjoyed significant presence by the Osun state government.
The theme of 2025 National Conference is: “The use of Yoruba language as a medium of instruction in the teaching, learning of science and technology in primary and secondary schools.”
The conference, led by its executive members, therefore appreciates the presence and contributions of His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, Oonirisa, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi (Ojaja Keji, Arole Oodua and the Owa of Obokun of Ijesa land, Oba Clement Adesuyi Hastrup who led other dignitaries to witness the conference.
Egbe Akomolede ati Asa Yoruba Naijiria is a national professional association that strives to improve the quality of teaching and learning of Yoruba language, literature, and culture in schools and colleges.
Active and practising teachers of Yoruba language in secondary schools, technical colleges, colleges of education, and other tertiary institutions throughout the federation also attended the Conference.
Institutions and bodies that are involved in the educational policy, curriculum development and implementation in the country like the West African Examination Council, Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council, Ministry of Education, publishing companies, and those that are actively involved in the functional use of Yoruba language like media houses and cultural centres also sponsored participants to the conference.
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