Afeez Oyetoro ‘Saka’ canvasses use of mother tongue in teaching

The Head of Department, Theatre Arts, Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Ijanikin, Lagos, Mr Afeez Oyetoro on Saturday canvassed for adoption of mother tongue as a teaching medium in primary and secondary schools. Oyetoro told newsmen in Lagos, that if pupils and students were taught in their mother tongue, it would help them to understand the subject more easily. “You can only achieve your aim, when you teach or communicate in a language that a student is familiar with and understands. Oyetoro noted that the only way dissemination of learning could be effective, would be when well communicated, According to him, teaching in ones’ mother tongue allows for effective communication as it creates room for more learning. “Introducing reading and writing to primary school pupils, should be in a language they speak and understand; it leads to greater excitement and they develop the skills faster in a more meaningful way. “Teaching students in their mother tongue will lead to better educational output and also facilitates innovation and creativity,’’ he said. Oyetoro said when pupils in elementary school were taught in their mother tongue, it could go a long way in improving the value and culture of the country. “When a person understates his or her language very well, then he or she will be able to understand everything around him and add value to the nation,’’ the don said.