Gani Adams Advocates for Mother Tongue Education in Nigerian Schools

Chief Gani Adams, the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, urged the Nigerian government, specifically Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa, to reverse the policy of excluding mother tongue instruction from the Nigerian education curriculum.

Speaking at the 12th Oodua Progress Union World Congress in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, Adams highlighted the significance of mother tongue education in enhancing students' understanding, academic performance, and cognitive development. He emphasized the cultural and social benefits of mother tongue instruction, stressing its role in preserving Nigeria's rich linguistic and cultural diversity.

Adams called for the promotion of cultural identity and pride through the inclusion of indigenous languages in the curriculum to prevent the erosion of cultural heritage. Additionally, Dr.

Ibrahim Adegbayi, the Head of the Department of Yoruba Studies at Tai Solarin University of Education, emphasized the importance of empowering the Yoruba homeland diaspora for sustainable growth and development.