Okpebholo moves to make local Languages Compulsory In Schools

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has announced his intention to reintroduce teaching of Edo languages in schools. Okpebholo disclosed this during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Esan Okpa Initiative, on Thursday. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to preserving the state’s rich cultural heritage and promoting indigenous knowledge. “We will reintroduce vernacular […]

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has announced his intention to reintroduce teaching of Edo languages in schools.

Okpebholo disclosed this during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Esan Okpa Initiative, on Thursday.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to preserving the state’s rich cultural heritage and promoting indigenous knowledge.

“We will reintroduce vernacular into our school system. Let every tribe begin to learn and speak their language so that no language goes into extinction,” he said

According to him, as part of effort to improve conducive environment for learning, his administration had directed the Ministry of Education to intensify school rehabilitation efforts.

“I have told my Commissioner for Education, we have to provide seats and desks for schools. We will continue massive renovation and fencing, provide boreholes and toilets, and we will start installing solar lights in schools.”

“We are already working on a school access programme where our children can have hands-on experience in computer studies—so they can see and touch technology in real time.”

Earlier, the President, Esan Okpa Initiative, Hon Mathew Egbadon, applauded the governor’s achievements, underscoring the urgent need to protect and advance Esan language and culture.

“You now need to reintroduce the teaching of Esan language in schools. Esan language is far disappearing because many people of Esan extraction are not speaking it, and the language is not taught in schools. It should be reintroduced into the school curriculum” he said.