LASU Introduces Compulsory Yoruba Language, GNS 104

Lagos State University (LASU) has announced the introduction of a compulsory Yoruba Language course, titled GNS 104 (Yoruba Language Studies), for all its students starting from the 2023/2024 academic session.

VerseNews reports that this decision aligns with national efforts to preserve Nigeria’s linguistic and cultural heritage.

The Yoruba Language Studies course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the Yoruba language, one of Nigeria’s prominent indigenous languages, and equip them with language skills, cultural knowledge, and historical context.

Professor T.M Salisu, the Dean of LASU’s Faculty of Arts and Humanities, expressed enthusiasm for the course, emphasizing its potential to strengthen students’ connections to their cultural roots and promote diversity.

The course will cover various aspects of Yoruba culture, including language structure, literature, history, folklore, and contemporary issues.

It will be part of the General Nigerian Studies (GNS) program and will be open to students from all faculties, demonstrating LASU’s commitment to interdisciplinary learning.

The move to make Yoruba language education compulsory in schools is in line with a bill passed by the Lagos State Assembly in 2017, aimed at preserving Yoruba culture, heritage, and language use in public places.

Additionally, the assembly has also incorporated the Yoruba language into its legislative activities earlier this year.