Taiwo,
who advised them not to ignore their languages and culture, noted that they
were vital for any country’s development.
He
stated this while delivering a lecture entitled “The Role of Indigenous
Languages in Educational Development”, at the prize-giving/ valedictory
ceremony of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, International
School, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
According
to Taiwo, who teaches at the Department of Linguistics and African Languages,
the continued disregard for culture and indigenous languages remains a big
setback for the country’s development. Frowning that many parents were not
interested in exposing their children to their native languages, he noted that
the development had resulted in their loss of identity and culture.
The
don, who noted that many people learn and comprehend best in their mother
tongue, added that developing countries, such as China, Japan and Taiwan, teach
science and technology-related classes in their indigenous languages.
He
explained, “Until we incorporate the indigenous language component into our
science and technology, including agriculture, there will be no meaningful
development in our nation. Instead, we will continue to consume what others are
producing”.
“Let
them know that Yoruba is their God-given identity and they should be ready to
promote our language not English.”
He
also called on the government in the South-West geopolitical zone to make it
mandatory for all state houses of assembly to adopt Yoruba as the official
language.
The
school Principal, Mrs. Toyin Juba, said the event was to celebrate excellence
and integrity.
The
Chairman of the occasion, Babalola Olatunji, an engineer, commended the
management and members of staff of the school for their hard work and
transparency.
He
also appreciated parents for their moral, financial and spiritual assistance to
their children.
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