By Abubakar Sadiq and Mohd Zaria Dr. Rabi Barau, a lecturer at the Federal University of Education, Zaria, has advocated for the use of moth...
By Abubakar Sadiq and Mohd Zaria
Dr. Rabi Barau, a lecturer at the Federal University of Education, Zaria, has advocated for the use of mother tongue as the medium of instruction in the teaching of science subjects to enhance students' comprehension.
She explained that teaching Science, Mathematics, and Technology in the native language would facilitate faster understanding and promote effective learning.
Speaking on a radio programme titled “Our Icon” on FUE FM Radio Zaria, Dr. Barau observed that language barriers significantly contribute to students’ poor academic performance.
Barau, who also serves as the Deputy Director of Academic Planning at FUE Zaria, noted that countries that adopted their native languages in teaching and learning processes experienced rapid educational development.
She, however, criticized the tendency of some parents to frequently change their children’s schools without considering the quality of education their wards are receiving.
The academic planner described teachers as embodiments of positive qualities, urging them to possess essential personal attributes such as patience, honesty, sincerity, punctuality, and foresight while discharging their duties.
She further emphasized that teachers must have the necessary academic qualifications to effectively deliver quality education.
Dr. Barau also expressed concern over the phasing out of the NCE programme, which would make a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) the minimum teaching qualification in the near future.
She described the move as a “bad omen” for the teaching profession, stressing that students have varying academic capabilities — including intelligent, average, and below-average learners — and not all of them can gain direct admission into universities. The NCE certificate, she argued, serves as an important bridge for students at the foundational level.
The educationist advised students of the newly upgraded Federal University of Education to brace themselves for the challenges and competition inherent in the teaching profession.
The senior lecturer also recalled that teachers in the past were highly cherished and respected because they valued the profession and were committed to imparting quality knowledge and education to their students.
Barau lamented that the current generation of teachers is no longer held in high esteem because many do not value the profession themselves, while their conduct, attitudes, and appearance further undermine the profession’s dignity.
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