Lagos State has introduced an innovative approach to teaching the Yoruba language in public primary schools through an interactive board game designed to make learning more enjoyable and engaging for students.
New Teaching Method Unveiled
The Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), in partnership with SIKIRABU Africa Ltd, unveiled the programme recently, as reported by The Punch on Wednesday, May 20. The game, named “SIKIRABU,” is centered on Yoruba language, culture, and traditional values, aiming to help children learn through play rather than solely through classroom memorization.
The Executive Chairman of LASUBEB, Dr. Hakeem Shittu, stated that the initiative is part of the state government’s efforts to protect indigenous languages and strengthen cultural identity among young learners. He described the approach as a modern and creative method, emphasizing that using games in education can make Yoruba lessons more interesting and easier for pupils to understand.
“Language is a critical part of our identity and heritage,” Shittu said.
Encouraging Responsible Learning
According to Shittu, the board remains focused on helping children develop an early interest in Yoruba. He explained that the board game is expected to improve pupils’ fluency in Yoruba while exposing them to cultural values embedded in the language. However, he warned pupils not to become overly attached to the game to avoid distraction from their academic work. He urged learners to balance play with studies.
Parents were also encouraged to support the programme by allowing children to use the game at home as a learning tool. This initiative is part of Lagos State’s broader push to promote indigenous education through more creative teaching methods in basic schools.
Related Incidents
In a previous report, a Yoruba Nigerian student studying French went viral on social media after a classroom video showed her attempting to pronounce French words with her classmates. The TikTok clip captured her repeating words after her teacher, with her pronunciation drawing humorous reactions from viewers. Despite the reactions, many social media users praised her effort and consistency in learning the language.
In another development, a Nigerian pupil gained attention on TikTok after a classroom video showed her confidently speaking Chinese during a lesson with her teacher. The video, shared by her teacher, captured a conversation where she responded to questions about greetings, identity, and basic expressions. Social media users praised her pronunciation and enthusiasm, while others reflected on language learning in schools.
