Lagos Govt Makes Yoruba Language Compulsory Subject in Public Sec. Schools

The Lagos State Government has officially approved the inclusion of Yoruba Language as a subject in the Continuous Assessment Scores (CAS) used to evaluate pupils sitting for placement tests into public secondary schools. This decision, aimed at assessing the knowledge and cognitive abilities of students, will take effect from 2025.

Mr. Abayomi Abolaji, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, announced this development during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Alausa, Lagos. He emphasized that Yoruba Language is already a part of the state’s education curriculum and that Primary Six pupils transitioning to public junior secondary schools will be required to take a Yoruba Language test as part of their placement exams in 2025.

Abolaji highlighted the importance of promoting the teaching and learning of Yoruba as an indigenous language, noting that it plays a crucial role in preserving the culture and heritage of the people. He stated that the decision to include Yoruba Language in the assessment process was the result of a consensus reached by various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), the Conference of Private Schools Association in Lagos (COSPAIL), the Curriculum Services Department of the Ministry, the Lagos State Examinations Board, the Association of Christians International, Egbe Akomolede ati Asa Yoruba, the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), and the Basic Education Services Department of the Ministry.

He also referenced UNESCO’s policy that encourages the use of a child’s mother tongue in early education, particularly up to Primary Three, to enhance the learning process. This aligns with the Lagos State Government’s commitment to addressing the challenges associated with teaching and learning Yoruba, ensuring that the language is taught effectively and with ease.

Additionally, for the 2025 Placement Test, pupils will be assessed in both Mathematics and Language subjects. The Mathematics section will include Quantitative Reasoning and Primary Science, while the Language section will cover English Studies, Yoruba Language, Verbal Reasoning, and General Paper.