A Professor of English Language at the Department of English, Faculty of Arts, Lagos State University, Ayotunde Olutumbi Ayodele has stressed the need for Institutionalised Language Policy with the main objective of promoting the richness of indigenous tongues as well as preserving culture and identity of Nigerian tribes for National Cohesion
The don made the call on Tuesday while delivering the 117th inaugural lecture of the university titled “In the Multitude of Tongues: Leveraging Language Systems for National Brotherhood", saying such policy should be embedded in legislative frameworks and aligned with the nation’s developmental goals.
Prof.Ayodele, a Chief Examiner in English Language for Public Service Examination of Administrative Staff College of Nigeria , expressed concern over the current situation in basic schools where indigenous languages are being neglected and seen as vernacular while English language is being used as the medium of instruction in classrooms
"It is therefore unfortunate that today, against the spirit of the 2022 National Language Policy, our basic schools are being returned to the colonial era, with the English language as the medium of instruction, and indigenous languages are viewed as ‘vernacular’. A nation that neglects its languages neglects its soul", he decried.
The inaugural lecturer also recommended the inclusion of critical literacy skills in the curricula at all levels of education , doing this according to him, will enable citizens who can listen with discernment, read with insight, and develop the ability to question, analyse, and respond constructively to political and governance discourse.
"This will empower informed participation in democratic processes. Democracy thrives only when its people can think beyond slogans", he maintained
He equally called for re- engineering of Legislative Discourse saying the parliamentary debates among lawmakers during the plenary session must be clearly understood and accessible to bridge the gap between governance and the governed.
"This will engender public trust and strengthen accountability in those who make the decisions that shape their destiny", he submitted
For the inaugural lecturer, teaching of English Language in Nigeria must move beyond grammatical competence, suitable for passing examinations and gaining admission into tertiary institutions, emphasizing the importance of English pedagogy which must include functional, communicative, and socio-cultural dimensions of the language that equip learners to navigate diverse professional, business, diplomatic, and civic contexts.
"Let English be taught not just to pass examinations, but to pass the test of nationhood", he stated
The Professor of English Language also recommended the need to integrate Discourse Awareness in Public Sector Training, stressing that government agencies and public institutions must not only embrace discourse awareness; they should undergo training in the socio-cognitive dimensions of discourse
"In particular, those involved in policy communication must be trained to speak in ways that unite, not divide; to communicate not just information, but shared purpose. This will ensure that public communication promotes unity, reduces divisiveness, and fosters shared national values", he stated
Prof.Ayodele strongly advocated for compulsory Media Ethics and Critical Discourse Awareness Media ethics, as part of the core training requirement for journalists, broadcasters, and digital content creators, with periodic refresher courses to adapt to evolving communication landscapes.
The don added that research should be integrated into language planning, insisting language policy and planning in Nigeria should be evidence-driven, drawing on the wealth of research in applied linguistics, sociolinguistics, and discourse studies, to ensure policies are culturally sensitive, socially inclusive, and development-oriented.
"I therefore propose the establishment of a language academy or Linguistic Centre, which will have the following responsibilities:Language Engineering Strategies for National Brotherhood, Embark on continuous development of the indigenous languages to prevent their ultimate extinction and Collaborate with the state to ensure that every language plan we adopt is culturally sensitive, socially inclusive, and aimed squarely at national development."
He then called for Adoption Of Ethical Communication Codes for Politicians and Political Parties
"Given the powerful role political discourse plays in shaping public perception, mobilising communities, and framing national narratives, politicians and political parties should subscribe to a code of ethical Communication and Responsible Language Use in Political Practice"
"It is my fervent belief that such a framework will reduce politically-driven polarisation and bigotry, enhance democratic culture by promoting issue-based rather than personality- or ethnicity-based politics, and foster trust between citizens and leaders, thereby strengthening national brotherhood. If we commit to these steps, language will cease to be a mere medium - it will become our bridge, our bond, and our blueprint for a united and prosperous Nigeria", he finally recommended
Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Oseni Afisi, chaired the well attended 117th inaugural lecture held inside Buba Marwa Auditorium on the Ojo main campus of LASU and commended Prof. Ayodele for his scholarly contributions to the growth of Nigeria, as a country
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