Imo State Government has concluded plans to make the teaching of Igbo reading a compulsory course in all its 303 public schools and private schools in the 2021/2022 academic year.
Senator Hope Uzodinma of Imo State represented by Imo Commissioner For Education, Prof. BTO Ikegwuoha, said that reading of Igbo language will be taught as a subject in all the education institutions In the State.
He disclosed this on Tuesday at a handover of Igbo Early Grade Reading,EGR teachers learning material by USAID Executive Director to Imo State held in Owerri .
According to him, the state government equally noted that the imposition of western culture and language on Nigerian children has done a lot of damage to the rich local cultural heritage of the Igbo people.
Uzodinma noted that it is important for children not only to learn the language of their environment, but also the culture and people’s general way of life.
The governor added that it is very important for every Igbo child to be able to read the language very fluently.
He said Gov Uzodinma’s administration would help to make sure the reading books are available and affordable in all schools in Imo State.
Also speaking ,the AG. Chairman Imo State Universal Basic Education(IMSUBEB) Mrs. Ukagba Stella said the state is looking forward to partnering with this Agency in order to mainstream the Igbo Language which many believe is on the verge of extinction.
She said the recovery mantra is exemplified and amplified through USAID initiative which will go a long way to break the aberration on Igbo language extinction hence lending credence to the governor’s passionate effort to revive and promote the teaching of Igbo language and culture in all the education institutions In the State.
She said trapping the project ,the implementers at the grassroots I.e the primary (1-3) teachers and the supervisors will need to be trained and retrained to effectively handle this task.
“We also appreciate your good gesture to the donation of sample copies of the books to this State during the online zoom handover meeting and on this latest official handover.”she said
