By Obiageli Nwankwo :
The Anambra State Education Commissioner, Prof Ngozi Chuma-Udeh has commended Stelated Bilateral Education Consultancy (SEBEC), for its effort in the introduction of foreign languages in Unity Schools and training of foreign language teachers.
Prof Chuma-Udeh lauded the efforts of SEBEC while delivering the keynote address at a one-day capacity-building workshop organized by Stelated Bilateral Education Consultancy in collaboration with Alliance Francaise, Enugu for foreign language teachers in South East held at the Arts Auditorium, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
The Commissioner, represented by Dr. Bryan Udeh at the occasion tagged, “Effective Teaching of Foreign Languages in Nigeria – A Panacea for National Development”, said, “the importance of such training cannot be underrated as it does not boost the morale of teachers but also equips them with the current advancements in teaching methodologies”.
According to her, the State Ministry of Education is fully aware of the broad range of opportunities the teaching and learning of foreign languages offer to teachers and students, hence Anambra State Ministry of Education is committed to fostering positive partnerships and supportive initiatives that enhance the teaching and learning of foreign languages in the state.
She urged the teachers to utilize the opportunity offered by the workshop to upgrade their skills and teaching methodologies.
In her address, Hajia Binta Abubakar, Director of Senior Secondary School Education, Federal Ministry of Education represented by Mrs Theresa Okeke, Vice Principal Administration, FSTC Awka, said, “for effective lesson delivery, the foreign language teacher must acknowledge that a foreign language is not the official language of the people born and raised in that country.
She further said that this calls for the teacher to have complete mastery of the subject, have a goal and practical-oriented lesson plan, ensuring that classes are interactive and all the students are engaged in the activities.
Delivering his address, Mr Federick Uchenna, Director of Alliance Francaise, Enugu, called on French language teachers and students to get DELF certification issued by the French Ministry of Education while emphasizing the numerous opportunities and edge it accords to holders worldwide.
Prof. Greg Obiamalu, Director of Language Institute, Nnamdi Azikwe University, addressing the participants, called for a total overhaul of the foreign language curriculum, saying that a shift from theory to a practical approach is much needed, while highlighting that a language is effectively taught and learned when practical communication with people in real-time is included.
Prof Sunny Ifeanyi Odinye of Chinese Language said that age is no barrier to learning a second language, explaining that the benefits of learning a second language, especially Chinese language should not be underrated as China is rapidly taking over the technological space, noting that for relevance and national development, such language skills are a necessity in today’s world.
The highlight of the event was a musical performance in Chinese by the Students of St Patrick College, Awka.
*Obiageli is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
