FG INTRODUCES “READING” IN COLLEGES OF EDUCATION SYLLABUS

The Federal Government says it has introduced “Reading” in the syllabus of Colleges of Education to enhance the reading skills of prospecting teachers.

The Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, stated this in a message to the handover of Igbo Early Grade Reading Materials, “Ka Anyi Guo” to Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board (ENSUBEB) for distribution to pupils and their teachers.

A Deputy Director in the Ministry of Education, Mrs. Chinyere Nwokorie, who represented the Minister ,explained that the Federal Government in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), had wanted to replicate in the South-East the achievement recorded in Sokoto and Bauchi States.

Mrs. Nwokorie noted that reading facilitated the development of Societies.

In a keynote speech, the Executive Director, National Institute for Nigerian Languages, Aba, Abia State, Professor Obiajulu Emejulu, condemned the attitude of some parents and schools in the zone who neglected the Igbo language.

Professor Emejulu expained that native folktales and folklores as well as folk-lullabies, played critical roles in the accademic development of the child.

In a message to the occassion, the Chairman, Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board (ENSUBEB), Chief Ikeje Asogwa stressed that Igbo Language was taught in Primary and Secondary Schools in the state.

Chief Asogwa, who was represented by the Secretary of the Board, Dr. Hyginus Eze, said that the books would be given to primary school pupils and teachers in the state.

The ENSUBEB Desk Officer at UNICEF and USAID, Mrs. Caroline Chigbo, advised the pupils and their teachers to exploit the knowledge embeded in the books.

The pupils entertained the guests with drama and reading session.