Mariam Sanni, Abuja
In order to enhance adequate understanding and learning of indigenous languages, Benue State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, yesterday flagged off teaching and learning of Tiv language in all public primary schools across the State.
Declaring open a three-day workshop for Education Managers and Classroom Teachers tagged: “The Effective Teaching and Learning of Tiv Language in Schools,” Executive Chairman of SUBEB, Revd Philip Tachin Ph.D., charged participants to take the workshop very seriously.
He said a child who understands the language of his birth can do more excellently in other languages, noting that the introduction of Tiv language in Benue Basic Schools would go a long way to easing teaching and learning in our communities.
He maintained that his desire was to extend same to Primary and Tertiary institutions in the nearest future, stressing that arrangements had also been perfected to extend same to Idoma and Igede languages
.According to him, an implementation committee had already been constituted to that effect beginning with the next academic session, noting that arrangements were in top gear to translate science subjects into indigenous languages.
A Professor of Tiv language, Kpamor J.T. Orkaa who is also the Chairman Committee on the implementation of indigenous languages in Benue State stated in a remark that the introduction of Tiv language in Benue schools was a milestone in the leadership of SUBEB under Reverend Tachin and charged participants to take the training seriously.
Responding on behalf of participants, Mr. David Nyitar expressed appreciation to the management of SUBEB for reintroducing the teaching of Tiv language in schools, stressing that when a people’s language is dead, the people become slaves.
Mr. Nyitar said his colleagues would never take such privilege for granted.
In a welcome address, Director, Academic Services, Mrs. Margaret Bija thanked the SUBEB boss and his Management team for making such a bold step.
