The Lagos State House of Assembly was on Tuesday divided over
the proposed introduction of Chinese language in the state’s school curriculum.
the proposed introduction of Chinese language in the state’s school curriculum.
It subsequently summoned the Commissioner for Education, Mrs.
Olayinka Oladunjoye, to appear before the House on Tuesday next week.
Olayinka Oladunjoye, to appear before the House on Tuesday next week.
The representative of Ajeromi-Ifelodun in the Assembly, Mr.
Abdulbak Balogun, had drawn the attention of the House to a statement credited
to Oladunjoye over the introduction of Chinese language to public schools.
Abdulbak Balogun, had drawn the attention of the House to a statement credited
to Oladunjoye over the introduction of Chinese language to public schools.
Balogun said, “Why Chinese language in our public schools? If we
want our children to learn Chinese language, why not in the university where
they learn linguistics?”
want our children to learn Chinese language, why not in the university where
they learn linguistics?”
Another lawmaker, Mr. Rotimi Olowo, wondered the relevance of
the language to the socio-economic development of the state and the country.
the language to the socio-economic development of the state and the country.
He said, “Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa languages should be made
compulsory instead of the Chinese language.”
compulsory instead of the Chinese language.”
However, another lawmaker, Mrs. Lola Akande, said the
introduction of Chinese language was not a bad idea because China is the second
largest economy in the world and also regarded as super power in terms of
technology advancement.
introduction of Chinese language was not a bad idea because China is the second
largest economy in the world and also regarded as super power in terms of
technology advancement.
She said, “The introduction of Chinese language would not
disrupt the school curriculum, rather, it will strengthen the relationship
between Nigeria and China.”
disrupt the school curriculum, rather, it will strengthen the relationship
between Nigeria and China.”
The Speaker, Adeyemi Ikuforiji, said there was the need for
Nigerian students to learn as many languages as possible. He added that the
introduction of the Chinese language would not have any negative impact on the
students.
Nigerian students to learn as many languages as possible. He added that the
introduction of the Chinese language would not have any negative impact on the
students.
He said, “Most of the countries I have visited, you see a child
of less than 15 years speaking about three or more languages and this has not
prevented them from learning their local languages as well.
of less than 15 years speaking about three or more languages and this has not
prevented them from learning their local languages as well.
“The introduction of Chinese language would not affect other
languages we speak. It is good for us to learn as many languages as
possible.”
languages we speak. It is good for us to learn as many languages as
possible.”
He directed that the commissioner should brief the assembly on
the methods and preparations for the introduction of the new language in
schools.
the methods and preparations for the introduction of the new language in
schools.
Source: Punch
