By Obansa Ibrahim, Lokoja
Prof Nahzeem Olufemi-Mimiko, former Vice Chancellor, Adekunle Ajasin University on Thursday says teaching in local languages remains the panacea to Nigeria’s growth and development.
Mimiko made the remarks at the 8th Convocation Lecture of Federal University Lokoja (FUL) on the the Topic: ” Reimaging Nigeria s (University) Education For Wholesome National Development” held at Felele Campus, Lokoja.
The former Vice Chancellor frowned at the nation’s present educational system where learning is done through foreign languages other than the local languages.
He argued that unless the Nigerian government change the narrative of the nations educational system, attaining the desired development to catch up with other developed nations would be a mirage.
“Check out developed nations like China, India, Japan among others, they teach in their local languages, which have greatly helped in developing their economies..
“Enough research evidence has been provided, confirming that learning is best delivered at primary school level in local language.
What is needed to propel Nigeria to an unprecedented development is to make this into a national policy, train teachers and instructors on this level on usage of local language.
“By so doing, we will place Nigerian kids on a firmer pedestal for post basic levels of education, ” he said.
According to him, the cultural imperative is that such a policy will also help in sustaining and preserving many of our indigenous languages and save them from cultural aridity.
Mimi expressed worry that “besides more than 20 million out of school children roaming the streets, 70 per cent of Nigerians are factual illiterates.”
He warned: “this is a disaster waiting to befall us a nation of not checked.
“Therefore, the federal government must design a program for intervention by educating those streets urchins to be useful to themselves and the nation. “