UI VC Urges Yoruba People to Embrace the Yoruba Language as their Identity

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode O Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, has urged Yoruba people to embrace Yoruba Language as their identity.

He gave this charge while receiving students of Yoruba language from America: “àwọn Akẹ́kọ̀ọ́ Èdè Yorùbá láti Orílẹ̀-èdè Amẹ́ríkà” on a courtesy visit to his office.

The Vice-Chancellor stated that Yoruba language is the identity of the Yoruba people, and losing it indicates a loss of identity.

He said that Yoruba language is a charming, sweet, and beautiful language that brings out the culture of respect and communal affiliation, particularly in having a form of greeting for every occasion and circumstance.

He challenged Yoruba speakers to hold it very tight so that other people would not take over the language and modify it.

Responding to the comments made by the students, Professor Adebowale said that it was a great honour to host such a programme in UI and promised that the feedback from the students will help the University to improve on its service delivery and create a better experience as the university continues to build friendship across borders.

The Vice-Chancellor urged the students to see themselves as alumni of the University of Ibadan.

He commended the writers and editors of the Yoruba beginner’s textbook for a job well done and appreciated the students on behalf of the University Management.

The Ag. Director, Yoruba Language Centre, Dr C.O. Odoje stated that the purpose of the visit was to inform the Vice-Chancellor that the foreign students were leaving the university after concluding their programme.

He added that it was also to launch and present the Yoruba beginner’s textbook to the Vice-Chancellor.

He appreciated the VC and the university management for their unwavering support at all times for the activities of the Yoruba Language Centre.

The Immediate Past Director of the Yoruba Language Centre, Professor P.A. Ogundeji advised the university management to produce the textbook in soft copies to make it easily accessible to the students.

The leader and director, Fulbright Hays, Professor Olufunke Ogunya, stated that the enabling environment and identification of host families was made possible by the university management.

While acknowledging that a lot of improvements were noticed compared to their previous visits, she appreciated the University of Ibadan on behalf of Howard University.

The students expressed gratitude to the university for hosting them and appreciated the Acting Director, Host Families, and Instructors for their care.