A former Osun State governor and immediate past minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, said using indigenous languages to teach in schools can help to develop the nation.
According to him, the only way Nigeria can develop and match other countries in development is to abolish its over-reliance on foreign languages.
The two-term governor of Osun State spoke on Friday during the launch of a book in honour of Prof Adebisi Afolayan in Ile-Ife.
The book titled ‘Adebisi Afolayan: The Celebration of a Living Legend -His Life, Works and Everything In-Between’ was officially unveiled by Aregbesola who was the guest of honour at the event.
Aregbesola described the retired Professor of English Language as a living legend who has positively impacted the lives of many.
The former minister recalled how Afolayan helped him with his Education policy during his time as governor of Osun State.
He disclosed that there was a policy in place before he left office as the governor which made it mandatory for Yourba language to be used to teach in primary and secondary schools.
According to him, “A friend of mine, Ayotunde Adegboyega introduced Professor Adebisi Afolayan to me as someone who can help me achieve what I wanted in the area of education as the state governor.
“We tried our best to put the education policy in place before we left office and the policy is that Yoruba language must be used to teach students in primary and secondary schools in the state.
“Until we go back to using our language to communicate, we cannot get it right in this country.
“Look at the countries making waves now, they do not joke with their languages. They use their languages as a means of communication and method of teaching and learning. That is why they are growing as a nation.
“We developed and approved the Omoluabi policy of education in 2018 with one of the ‘specific policy focus’ items saying ‘government shall implement Yoruba as the language in schools…’ and ‘government shall develop this to include full usage of Yoruba in high schools and tertiary institutions’.
“Being here today, for me, is to demonstrate my love and commitment to this noble cause that Baba holds dear and to pledge my support, Insha Allah, for efforts to sustain and achieve illumination and greatness for the Yoruba race and Africans.”
