Education
Nigeria, Only Country With Ill-Equipped Diplomats In Language – Don
Nigeria’s diplomats
are the only ones in the world who are ill-equipped in terms of language in International Relations.
A university teacher, Professor Folorunso Adisa Ogunleke, made this assertion on Thursday during his inaugural lecture titled “Bilingualism and International Relations”, at the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rivers State in Port Harcourt, recently.
“In this modern age, it is sad to note that Nigeria is the only country that has many diplomats who do not speak the official language/languages of their host countries.
“Party members are appointed ambassadors instead of career ambassadors who are made idle at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. And this is to the detriment of the Nigerian State”, he said.
Explaining the Concept of Bilingualism/Trilingualism, the Professor of French stated that it implies “the ability to speak and write two or three international languages”, which most Nigerian Diplomats are incapable of.
Contrarily, he continued, the French have instituted trilingualism in their educational system from the junior secondary school level to university, which ensures that every educated French speaks a minimum of two international languages.
“Since international relations are first driven through the vehicle of international languages, in our opinion, French speaking countries are positioned to be better players in international relations”, he said.
Professor Ogunleke, who is the Dean, Faculty of Humanities, IAUE, recalled that towards turning Nigeria into a bilingual country, the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, had declared that the country will make deliberate effort.
“Nigeria will embark on a vigorous language programme that should ensure that our people, within the shortest possible time, become bilingual”, Professor Ogunleke quoted the late Head of State.
Ogunleke also quoted the “Nigeria Policy on Education on French which emphasized: “For smooth interaction with our neighbours, it is desirable for every Nigerian to speak French.
“Accordingly, French shall be the second official language in Nigeria, and it shall be compulsory in primary and junior secondary schools.”
Unfortunately, he said, since its formulation, it had remained “a mere policy”.
In his address, Acting Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Joseph Kinanee emphasised on the importance of multi-language competency in international relations.
“I should use this opportunity to repeat that multi-language competency is gradually becoming a veritable survival kit, as some of our frequent – traveller colleagues would attest”, he said.
Stories by Sogbeba Dokubo
The Acting Vice Chancellor of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, Prof. Okechuku Onuchuku, emphasised the need for students to go beyond academic achievements during the university’s 43rd Convocation ceremony.
The theme, “The University Culture In Practice, The IAUE Experience,” highlights the importance of embracing cherished traditions and intellectual values that define great universities.
Prof. Onuchuku encouraged the new graduates to work hard and persevere, noting that their convocation marks a new beginning in their careers and personal lives. He emphasised that they must prove themselves worthy of the certificates and prizes they have received.
According to him, out of 2,887 first-degree graduands, four made First Class, 403 secured Second Class Upper, 2,030 got Second Class Lower, and 450 graduated with Third Class. Additionally, 1,492 postgraduate students graduated, including 306 PhD holders.
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd), praised the university’s commitment to academic excellence and institutional maturity. He commended the Acting Vice Chancellor for achieving full accreditation for 47 academic programmes and implementing the NUC’s Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standards.
The administrator urged the new graduates to uphold the positive values instilled in them by the university and strive for continuous knowledge and improvement.
By: King Onunwor
The Niger Delta Students Union Government, Rivers State Chapter (NIDSUG), has suspended its planned protest against the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) state office in Port Harcourt. The suspension followed an intervention by the state Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju.
The students had planned to protest on Thursday, citing alleged neglect by the NDDC, particularly in welfare and capacity-building programmes for students from the state. However, after the police intervention, the students agreed to participate in a roundtable discussion with the commission to address their concerns.
NIDSUG leader, Comrade Loveday Njoku, expressed dissatisfaction with the commission’s alleged exclusion of students from benefiting from its programmes. He presented a seven-point demand, including the reintroduction of scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate students. Njoku emphasised that education is crucial for community development and urged the commission to invest in the future leaders of the state.
The students warned that if their demands are not met, they will resume the protest and occupy the state commission office until their demands are addressed. Despite previous attempts to reach out to the commission’s management team, the students claimed their efforts were unsuccessful.
By: Akujobi Amadi
As part of efforts to improve the welfare and overall quality of education for students in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, the Sole Administrator, Sir (Dr.) Clifford Ndu Walter DSSRS, FCAI, JP, paid an unscheduled visit to Universal Primary School, Rumukwurusi.
During the visit, Sir Walter expressed deep concern over the deplorable state of the school and its surrounding environment. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the development of the education sector, stressing its critical role in nation-building.
“I have visited the primary school in Ogbogoro, and now I’m here at the Universal Primary School, Rumukwurusi. I am not satisfied with what I’ve seen,” he stated, indicating that more surprise visits to schools would follow.
To address the issues, the Sole Administrator directed the Council Engineer to commence process for rehabilitation of the school.
The visit was part of a broader initiative aimed at conducting on-the-spot assessments of educational facilities to determine the level of intervention required by the local government council.
Dr. Walter also assured the teachers of his unwavering commitment to revamp the school and improve the learning environment for both staff and students.