Language is a security weapon we must learn – UI Vice-Chancellor

The Vice chancellor, Professor Isaac Adewole, has encouraged the learning and understanding of other languages besides one’s native language such that an additional linguistic knowledge of at least one could serve as a means of curbing crime in the society.

Prof. Adewole made this observation while hosting the outgoing students of the Yoruba Flagship Centre, who had come to the University for a 2-month Summer Intensive Proficiency Course at the Centre in partnership with the University of Florida, United States of America.

The VC, while receiving the students in his office, noted that the mastery of additional language has tremendous advantage in curbing crime in the society, hence, the need for a conscious effort towards its functional knowledge.

According to him, “every community must learn a second language; learning of other languages will help to curb crime. For instance, someone who has the knowledge of a particular language about to be used to commit crime could quickly nip it in the bud. We need to promote the teaching and speaking of other language because of its strategic importance.”

While lamenting his past lackadaisical attitude towards learning French language when he had the opportunity to do so, Prof. Adewole advised the Federal government to make French language compulsory as a second language in Nigeria, pointing out that the country is surrounded by French speaking countries.

Charging the outgoing students not to abandon speaking Yoruba language, Prof. Adewole stressed that “it was only through the constant use of the language that could guarantee proficiency.”

Earlier, the Director, Yoruba Flagship Centre, Prof. Kola Owolabi, in his assessment, commended the students for their dedication and hardwork, stressing that the students thrilled him throughout the duration of the programme and had proved to be worthy ambassadors of America in character and learning.

Speaking in the same vein, the Coordinator of the programme, Dr. Moses Mabayoje advised parents to encourage their children to speak their native language as, according to him, “Yoruba language is dying as a result of predilection for foreign language by the indigenous users of the language.”