ICYMI: You must pass Yoruba before gaining admission into Lagos tertiary institutions

The study of Yoruba language has been made compulsory for candidates seeking admission into all tertiary institutions in Lagos state.

This is according to the Yoruba Language Preservation and Preservation Law which took effect on Thursday.

By this law, Yoruba language has also been made compulsory for all primary and secondary schools in the state.

The law makes the language an acceptable means of communication between individuals in government establishments in the state.

“It will be translated into Yoruba Language. Moreso, all state-owned tertiary institutions are to incorporate the use of Yoruba Language in the General Studies (GNS) courses,” a part of the law read.

“The use of Yoruba language shall be an acceptable means of communication between individuals, establishment, corporate entities and government in the state if so desired by the concerned.

“It shall not be an offence for a person to speak Yoruba language by the state government.”

Speaking after Akinwunmi Ambode, governor of Lagos, signed the law, Kehinde Bamigbetan, commissioner for information and strategy, said the state recognised Yoruba as a vehicle for development.

“The has become mandatory for all candidates seeking admission into our tertiary institutions. Yoruba will now become a major requirement to engage in normal business communication in Lagos state,” he said.

“This is a clear and conscious commitment to the position which Lagos State prides Yoruba language as the cultural vehicle for us to be able to articulate our position and it also shows that Lagos has further recognised the importance of language as a vehicle for development.”

He said candidates must have credit in Yoruba language among other subjects to apply into any higher institution of the state.

This is the first time that a law is the first seeking to preserve an indigenous language is passed.