The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale, has expressed the hope that Yoruba language will not go into extinction.
He said that given that the language is now being learnt by non-indigenous students from American and Chinese universities, there is the assurance that the language will be preserved into the future.
Professor Adebowale made these observations while receiving students of the University of Ibadan Yoruba Language Centre on a courtesy visit to his office.
He expressed pleasure at the progress already made by the students barely two weeks into their programme, urging the Director of the Centre to ensure that the students are exposed to life beyond the classroom.
In his response, the Director of the Yoruba Language Centre, Professor P. A. Ogundeji, appreciated the Vice-Chancellor and members of the University community for their cooperation and assistance towards making the students’ stay worthwhile.
The 10 students drawn from American universities and one from China would be on the UI campus for eight weeks to learn the Yoruba language and culture.
The students are led by Professor Oluwafunke Ogunya, the Director, Fulbright-Hayes Yoruba Group Project Abroad from Howard University, Washington, DC, United States of America.
