Ayodeji Ayenuwa
In a move aimed at preserving and promoting Yoruba language and culture, Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) has introduced Yoruba language as a compulsory course within its General Nigeria Studies (GNS) curriculum.
This action aligns with a 2018 law enacted by the Lagos State Government, which mandates the inclusion of Yoruba language in GNS programs at state-owned tertiary institutions.
Speaking about this development, Prof. Bidemi Lafiaji-Okuneye, the Vice-Chancellor of LASUED, stated that, “It is a compulsory course for both 100 and 200-level students, and they must pass it before they graduate.” She emphasized that this initiative has been in progress since 2018 when the legislation was enacted.
Under the new curriculum, Yoruba language is no longer an elective but a core subject. Lafiaji-Okuneye pointed out, “For now, our university is the only institution that is teaching Yoruba for one whole session in the state.”
To ensure students’ engagement and success in Yoruba language courses, Lafiaji-Okuneye revealed, “Lecturers teaching Yoruba language have created innovative ways to capture their students’ interest.”
Notably, the choice to make Yoruba language compulsory is rooted in a desire to deepen students’ understanding of Yoruba culture. Lafiaji-Okuneye emphasized, “The idea of making Yoruba language compulsory is because we want our students to know more about the culture.”
Furthermore, due to the high demand for Yoruba language classes, LASUED has had to redirect some students originally enrolled in English language programs to Yoruba language courses. This demonstrates a growing interest in the language and its cultural significance.
Techrectory with Agency Report.
