The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Mrs Abosede Ogunleye has urged the french teachers in Ogun state to be committed and strive to attain proficiency in French Language for effective impartation.
The Permanent Secretary represented by The Director, Quality Assurance And Teachers Development, Mr Ezekiel Adewunmi, made this known in her keynote address during the thirty-seventh edition of The State French Competition and 5th French Spelling Bee of the Nigerian Association of French Teachers (NAFT), held today at Lisabi Grammar School, Idi -Aba Abeokuta. She said this will make impartation and nurturing of youngsters in the State more effective and efficient.
“The place of vocabulary in French Language cannot be underrated and to develop accurate and correct spelling skills in learners. It is therefore envisaged that this act of spelling bee as well as drama and quiz competition will revive the dying desire for reading among the students”, Ogunleye said.
Earlier in his opening address, the Director of Education Support and Services Obadiah Akindele reiterated that the knowledge of French Language has opened doors of opportunities in all sphere of life in Nigeria, France and other French speaking countries such as Canada, Switzerland, Belgium, North and Sub- Sahara Africa, among others. Akindele enjoined teachers in Ogun State to awake and strive for better performance to develop further interest of the learner in French Language.
In his address, The President, NAFT Ogun State Chapter, Mr. Toyin Raheem lauded the ministry for it’s unprecedented support towards the progress and development of not only the teaching and learning of French Language but also to all that is associated with it. He also stated that Ogun State schools had in the past National Competitions maintained the lead in French Language Drama, Chanson and Quiz respectively.
“I have the singular honour and privilege to inform you that, from time immemorial, our dear state has been taking the lead in competitions. Hence, this year’s event was not an exemption. Our representative schools claimed the ownership of most of the gifts at the competition”. Raheem said.
Some of the students who participated in the program from Adeola Odutola College Private, Ijebu -Ode, Oyinade Osanyintola, The Ambassadors College, Gbaranwi Tondale respectively lauded the organisers and the ministry for the initiative, enjoining the state government to provide more competent and proficient teacher for easy grasp of French Language .
Other dignitaries at the event are the Chairman Academic Staffs Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS), Mr Felix Agbesonwa ,The Former National President NAFT Mr. Kola Ojelade, Former French Coordinator and Director MOEST, Mr Taiwo Salako.