Lagos govt approves Yoruba language as subject for testing knowledge, thinking ability in public schools
UNESCO has adopted the policy of using the child’s language environment in schools until the child reaches primary three in their education career to enhance the teaching and learning of the child’s indigenous language
The Lagos State Government has approved Yoruba Language as a subject to test the knowledge and thinking ability of pupils taking the placement test through Continuous Assessment Scores (CAS) in the state.
Mr. Abayomi Abolaji, the Permanent Secretary of Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, made this announcement during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Alausa, Lagos.
It was pointed out that the study of Yoruba Language is already part of the Education Curriculum of the State. Starting from the year 2025, Primary Six Pupils transitioning to Government Public Junior Secondary Schools will be tested in the Yoruba Language in the Placement Test by CAS.
There is an emphasis on promoting the teaching and learning of Yoruba as an indigenous language in schools, as it is believed to add value to the culture and overall way of life of the people in Lagos State.
This new policy was the result of a consensus reached by various stakeholders including the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education in the State, the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Conference of Private Schools Association in Lagos (COSPAIL), Curriculum Services Department of the Ministry, Lagos State Examinations Board, Association of Christians International, Egbe Akomolede ati Asa Yoruba, Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), and Basic Education Services Department of the Ministry.
It was also noted that UNESCO has adopted the policy of using the child’s language environment in schools until the child reaches primary three in their education career to enhance the teaching and learning of the child’s indigenous language.
Additionally, stakeholders were assured of the State Government’s commitment to addressing issues related to the teaching and learning of the Yoruba language to facilitate its teaching and learning.
The Permanent Secretary also disclosed that Pupils would be tested on Mathematics and Language for the Year 2025 Placement Test by CAS. Mathematics would include Quantitative Reasoning and Primary Science, while Language would consist of English Studies, Yoruba Language, Verbal Reasoning, and General Paper.
