S’West Govs, Lawmakers Urged to Make Yoruba Language a Mandatory Subject in Schools
The Oodua Youth Coalition has appealed to governors in the South West to ensure that Yoruba is made a compulsory subject in public schools, emphasizing that preserving the Yoruba language is essential, as people are best identified through their language and culture.
This appeal was included in a communiqué released by the group following its National Executive Council meeting on Wednesday. The group stated that the request became necessary after realizing that Yoruba had been relegated to an elective subject in schools.
The organization asserted that making Yoruba a mandatory subject in schools is the only way to safeguard the indigenous language of the region.
In the communiqué, signed by National Vice President Olatunji Adejuwon and National Publicity Secretary Bamidele Ifedayo, the group urged the Houses of Assembly in the South West to enact laws making Yoruba language a compulsory subject from primary to secondary and tertiary education levels.
According to the group, implementing such a policy would also contribute to a deeper understanding of traditional religion within the Yoruba region.
The communiqué stated: “The organisation in line with it’s mandate of promoting the art and heritage of the Yoruba people appeal to the South West Governors Forum through it’s Chairman, Gov. Babajide Sanwo Olu to compulsory the teaching of Yoruba in our primary and secondary schools.
“This appeal comes in the wake of the realization that Yoruba has become an elective subject in our schools.
“The Organisation, in the same vein, urge the South West States House of Assembly to use the instrumentality of the law at their disposal to make compulsory the teaching of Yoruba language in our schools.
“The organisation reiterated its commitment against Drug Abuse and seek the support of relevant agencies to fight against the menace of consumption of hard drugs which has become rampant amongst the youth population.
“The meeting also noted that the organisation will be partnering with towns for the celebration of their major cultural festivals this year. The Intention is to help amplify the cultural benefits of the festivals.
“The meeting sanction the creation of the Oodua Youth Coalition website which will serve as an archive for the activities of the organisation.
“The meeting stressed the relative goodness in having good understanding of one’s cultural heritage and history, and enjoined stakeholders at all levels to prioritize using their powers towards advancing the cause of bequeathing an unadulterated history to the next generation.”
