Lagos Introduces New Methods of Teaching Arabic

To curb the dearth of Arabic teachings in Lagos State schools, the state government has introduced new skills and methodology in the teaching of the subject to resuscitate teachers’ interest.

Speaking at the opening of a workshop organised by the Ministry of Education for Arabic Teachers across the six Education districts of the state in Lagos, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs. Abosede  Adelaja,  said  investments in the Multilingual International Resource Centre and in building the capacity of teachers and administrations in the state’s Public Schools had begun to yield results.

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She said the training became necessary as language remained an all encompassing element in human life. She said the continuous capacity building at the local and international levels will be of immense advantage to teachers in the state.

Adelaja stressed that the theme for the workshop “Teaching and learning of Arabic Language in Lagos State Schools: Status, Challenges and Way forward” was apt and clearly depicts the readiness of government to further improve the teaching and learning of languages in the state.

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According to her, driving the 21st Century economy requires  in-depth global approach that would transcend platforms and diverse global societies and economies, hence the need to tackle barriers which a deficiency in language may portend.

She revealed that psychological studies have found that speaking two or more languages is a great asset to cognitive process which is quite beneficial for students.

“Instituting various approaches that will aid in achieving improvement in learners’ outcomes, increase literacy and numeracy rate of students and also optimize School Curriculum to enhance capacity of School personnel and improve infrastructural development are clear indications of the transforming of the Education Sector,” Adelaja further stated.

She encouraged participants at the event to avail themselves of the opportunity of the workshop, noting that the lectures by the seasoned facilitators will enhance  effective service delivery and simplify teaching and learning.

While welcoming participants, the Director, Multilingual International Resource Centre, Mrs. Taiwo Haastrup, told those present that Arabic language is one of the languages recognised by the United Nations and spoken by people and nations across the globe.

She said the Multilingual International Resource Centre (MLIRC) is committed to raising oral proficient indigenous and sovereign language learners as well as world class learners of foreign and indigenous languages in a conducive learning environment as provided by the Lagos State Government.

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She said, “Our objective  is to train teachers on effective methodologies in the teaching and learning of Arabic as a foreign language. We also want to encourage and resuscitate the interest of Teachers and Students in the Learning of Arabic language as a universal means of communication.

“We also believe this workshop will spiral an upward increase in enrolment of Arabic language by students in WAEC and NECO examinations as the teacher avail themselves for the impactful sessions.”