The Lagos State Government has officially approved the inclusion of Yoruba Language as a subject in the placement tests for public secondary schools.
This decision was announced by the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Abayomi Abolaji, during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Alausa, Lagos.
Mr. Abolaji emphasized the importance of integrating Yoruba Language into the state’s educational framework, stating, “The study of Yoruba Language is already embedded in the Education Curriculum of the State.”
He further revealed that Primary Six pupils transitioning to Government Public Junior Secondary Schools will be assessed in Yoruba Language during the Year 2025 Placement Test, using Continuous Assessment Scores (CAS).
Highlighting the cultural significance of the initiative, Abolaji remarked, “We need to encourage the teaching and learning of Yoruba as an indigenous language in schools. This will add value to the culture and total ways of life of the people.”
The new policy is the result of a collaborative agreement among various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), the Conference of Private Schools Association in Lagos (COSPAIL), the Curriculum Services Department of the Ministry, the Lagos State Examinations Board, and other educational organizations.
Mr. Abolaji referenced UNESCO’s endorsement of using a child’s native language in educational settings up to primary three, stating, “This strategy is essential for strengthening the teaching and learning of the child’s indigenous language.”
He assured all stakeholders of the state government’s dedication to overcoming challenges associated with the teaching and learning of the Yoruba language, aiming for a seamless educational experience. For the upcoming Year 2025 Placement Test, pupils will also be evaluated in Mathematics and Language, which includes Quantitative Reasoning, Primary Science, English Studies, Verbal Reasoning, and General Paper.