As the world celebrates this year’s International Literacy Day, the Katamaran Deck of the Pyrates Confraternity has challenged the Federal and state governments on the teaching of science in indigenous languages at the primary and basic education levels.
The Cap’n of the Katamaran Deck comprising Ijebu-Ode and Remo, Comrade Jamal Apena, stated this in a statement by the deck to commemorate the 2025 International Literacy Day.
The International Literacy Day is observed worldwide annually on September 8. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era: Bridging The Gap Through Mass Literacy.”
According to the Katamaran Deck Cap’n, the teaching of science in indigenous languages will foster deeper and better understanding of such subjects and enhance the nation’s advancement in the areas of science and technology.
The statement noted that Nigeria should take a cue from technologically advanced countries such as China, Russia, France, Japan, Germany and others where their indigenous languages rather than English are the languages of instruction and teaching in their schools up to the university level.
The Katamaran Deck said emulating such countries would greatly enhance the teaching and understanding of science and technology in Nigeria.
This, the deck said would have the overall salutary effects of taking Nigeria’s educational, science and technology as well as the education sectors to higher pedestals and even bring the country at par with other advanced countries of the world.
The Katamaran Deck added that literacy should therefore not be confined to mere reading and writing, but also extended to a better understanding of the various aspects of education, especially the teaching of science and technical subjects in indigenous languages.
This it said would encourage critical thinking, cultural awareness, digital competencies, and the ability to understand and communicate better in the areas of science and technology education.
The statement partly read, “2025 International Literacy Day should serve as a reminder that literacy goes far beyond the ability to read and write; for our governments at both the state and Federal levels, it should serve as a foundational element for promoting the teaching of science and technical subjects in indigenous languages, at least, at the primary and basic secondary education levels.
“Implementing such educational practices of teaching sciences in indigenous languages can lead to greater and better understanding and contribute to the advancement of Nigeria’s quest for technological advancement.
“As we celebrate this special day, let us commit to a vision of literacy that is inclusive, critical and emphasises delivery of science and technical education in indigenous languages. This will serve as a catalyst for a better and deeper understanding of these course areas and ultimately contribute to the attainment of Nigeria’s dream of joining the comity of technologically advanced countries.”
