The Lagos State Government has introduced an interactive board game to improve the teaching and learning of the Yoruba language in public primary schools across the state.
The initiative, unveiled by the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB) in partnership with SIKIRABU Africa Ltd, is aimed at preserving the Yoruba language and strengthening cultural identity among young learners through creative teaching methods.
The educational board game, known as “SIKIRABU,” is designed around Yoruba language, culture, and traditional values, allowing pupils to learn through play while developing communication skills in the language.
Speaking during the unveiling, the Executive Chairman of LASUBEB, Dr Hakeem Shittu, described the programme as an innovative approach that would make Yoruba lessons more engaging and easier for children to understand.
According to him, language remains an important part of cultural identity and heritage, stressing that the state government is committed to ensuring indigenous languages are preserved among younger generations.
“Language is a critical part of our identity and heritage,” Shittu said, noting that the board game would help pupils build interest in Yoruba from an early age while improving their fluency and understanding of cultural values embedded in the language.
He explained that the initiative aligns with the state’s broader educational goals of promoting indigenous learning through modern and interactive methods.
While encouraging pupils to enjoy the learning process, Shittu also advised them not to become overly attached to the game in a way that could distract them from their academic studies.
He urged parents to support the programme by encouraging children to use the board game at home as an educational tool.
The initiative has attracted attention amid growing conversations about language learning and cultural preservation in Nigeria.
Recently, a Nigerian student studying French went viral on social media after a classroom video showed her attempting to pronounce French words alongside her classmates. Although the clip generated humorous reactions online, many Nigerians applauded her effort and dedication to learning a new language.
Similarly, another Nigerian pupil drew praise on TikTok after confidently speaking Chinese during a classroom lesson, with many social media users commending her pronunciation and enthusiasm for language learning.
Education stakeholders believe initiatives like the SIKIRABU board game could help make indigenous languages more appealing to younger generations while promoting cultural pride in schools.