ENHANCING THE TEACHING AND LEARNING OF IGBO LANGUAGE IN SCHOOLS

Abstract

Nigeria has been described as a multi-lingual country where over 400 indigenous languages exist. Among all these indigenous languages, three prominent languages are made compulsory in schools especially in Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), National Examination Council (NECO) and General Certificate of Education (GCE). Students are expected to have a credit pass in Hausa, Igbo or Yoruba Languages before they are eligible for admission into a university to study a course. Objectives are set to highlight the importance of Igbo Language, the need for effective teaching and learning of Igbo Language in Schools, the strategies for teaching and learning of Igbo Language and the challenges encountered in teaching and learning of Igbo Language in Schools. Descriptive research design was adopted. Data were generated through the internet, library and documented materials relevant to the study. Behaviourist theory was utilized to explain importance of Igbo Language in teaching and learning. Findings revealed that the standard of Igbo Language has fallen because of the imposition of the western education and other technological advancement in the country and Ndiigbo prefer to express themselves in foreign languages as an evidence of being educated. Based on the findings, recommendations and conclusion were drawn.