The Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board LASUBEB has received Yoruba Early Grade Reading Materials titled ‘Je Ka Kawe’, an initiative, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
The Je Ka Kawe (Let’s Read) project, was developed based on the Yoruba language curriculum, to promote literacy through the use of indigenous languages amongst pupils in primary 1-3 classes to engender positive learning outcomes.
The learning and reading books are structured on phonemic awareness, alphabetic principles, vocabulary, comprehension and writing.
The Executive Chairman of LASUBEB, Hon. Wahab Alawiye-King during the official presentation of the books applauded the initiative, stating that the resources will expand the availability of quality local teaching and learning materials for reading Yoruba Language among pupils in Lagos State Public Primary Schools.
He noted that the use of the indigenous learning materials in schools will not only increase literacy levels in pupils, but also enlighten them on vibrant Yoruba culture.
Alawiye-King assured that the resources would be used to complement the existing teaching and learning of Yoruba language in schools, stressing that the infusion of Local languages into the educational system would also help pupils to succeed academically.
Commissioner for Education in Lagos, Mrs Folashade Adefisayo, commended USAID for the initiative and for also promoting the mother tongue that is gradually going into extinction.
She advised parents to encourage their wards to speak their local languages, particularly the Yoruba language, for this will make them unique in any part of the world.
The representative of the Honourable Minister of Education, Mrs. Chinyere Nwokorie noted that the book is premised on the language provision in the National Policy on Education, which encouraged the use of mother tongue as a medium of instruction at the lower primary level.
Giving an overview of Je Ka Kawe at the event, Professor Solomon Olanrewaju Makinde, Faculty of Education, Lagos State University, LASU, said that the book was developed to provide Pre-Reading and Pre- Writing lessons.
He explained that the materials consists of pupils books and teachers’ guide, adding that teachers do not need to write lesson plans to teach any lesson.
Chief of Party, USAID/Northern Education Initiative Plus, Mr Nurudeen Lawal who decried the low level of usage of Yoruba language which according to him is declining the pockets of culture in our society, mentioned that the book was aimed at helping children develop critical thinking and literacy skills.
He added that teaching in mother tongue would help the children transfer knowledge to other subjects for better understanding and also promote life-long learning.
Other speakers at the event which included the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Education, Mrs. Abosede Adelaja; the state NUT Chairman and other stakeholders also commended the initative.
Dominica Nwabufo
