The Association of Teachers of the Yoruba Language and Culture of Nigeria, Kwara State chapter, marked the 2025 International Mother Tongue Day (IMTD) with a grand celebration on February 27, 2025, at Offa Grammar School, Offa.
The event, themed “Make Languages Count for Sustainable Development,” attracted dignitaries from various sectors, educators, students, and language enthusiasts who engaged in extensive discussions on the role of mother tongue in education and societal development.
Speakers at the event emphasized the historical significance of IMTD, advocating for the promotion and recognition of indigenous languages across Nigeria.
The association urged the government at all levels to prioritize mother tongue education and ensure that local languages are not sidelined in policy formulation and implementation.
One of the key resolutions reached was the need for proactive measures to integrate mother tongues into the education system, reinforcing their importance in knowledge assimilation among children.
Research has consistently shown that learning in one’s native language enhances comprehension and cognitive development, making a strong case for indigenous language instruction in schools.
The association called on the Kwara State Ministry of Education, Human and Capital Development to take decisive steps in strengthening the Yoruba language curriculum. Concerns were raised about the poor treatment of Yoruba language teaching in schools, citing issues such as: Exclusion of the association in policy-making processes affecting Yoruba language education, inappropriate selection of literature texts for Junior Secondary Schools, flawed examination and assessment methods, including BECE scripts marking, among others.
To address these issues, the association demanded greater involvement in curriculum decisions, urging the Ministry to work closely with language experts to improve learning outcomes for students.
Another pressing issue discussed was the negative societal perception of studying indigenous languages.
Many parents and members of society discourage students from pursuing degrees in mother tongue studies, often viewing them as less prestigious than other fields.
The association strongly refuted this notion, arguing that graduates of Yoruba and other indigenous languages can achieve just as much success as those in other disciplines.
It called on parents, guardians, and educational stakeholders to change their mindset and support students interested in mother tongue education.
A major concern raised at the event was the declining number of Yoruba language teachers in the school system. Many experienced teachers are retiring, yet there is a lack of recruitment to fill the gap, despite the availability of qualified and passionate educators.
The association acknowledged the current embargo on fresh employment in the state but urged the government to prioritize the replacement of retiring Yoruba language teachers whenever recruitment opportunities arise. This, they believe, will safeguard the future of Yoruba language education and prevent the subject from fading out of schools.
The 2025 International Mother Tongue Day celebration in Kwara State successfully underscored the critical role of indigenous languages in education, culture, and national development.
The event ended with a strong appeal to the government, policymakers, and society to prioritize, protect, and promote mother tongue education.
The Association of Teachers of the Yoruba Language and Culture of Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the Yoruba language and expressed hope that its resolutions will be given due attention by the authorities.
