A renowned professor of English Language and Applied English Linguistics, Uriel Okunrinmeta, has stated that for Nigerias Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) education framework to be effectively implemented, a home-grown English model that reflects the nation’s socio-cultural realities should be adopted as the medium of instruction.
Prof. Okunrinmeta stated this on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, while delivering the 35th Inaugural Lecture of the University titled, Lets Use Whats OURS to Solve OUR OWN Problems’: ADOPTING AN ENDOCENTRIC ENGLISH MODEL IN SCHOOLS”.
He said, My position here is that British English cannot reflect the cultural content that is infused into the school curriculum. Thus, to facilitate the effective teaching of STEAM in Nigerian schools, an endocentric model of English should be adopted.
This is based on the premise that, if the role of the indigenous languages as a medium of instruction stops in primary six and English is, for one reason or the other, assigned that role from the Junior Secondary school level, the model of English to be used should be able to reflect and express effectively the concepts and experiences that the indigenous languages are capable of expressing. This is where an endocentric model of English that is embellished with the local touch of the Nigerian languages and cultures becomes relevant.
“This endocentric model is what is referred to as Standard Nigerian English a home-grown variety of English with a distinctive Nigerian cultural cap adorned with beautiful feathers of various metaphorically illuminating colours reflecting various aspects of Nigerias cultural life.
He argued that a well-rounded STEAM approach would foster creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration. For our students to become all-round problem solvers, we must integrate local knowledge into the education system. This will make education more relevant and responsive to our national needs”, he said.
The Inaugural Lecturer also advocated the infusion of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) into the curriculum to ensure that education does not merely adopt foreign frameworks but aligns with local realities.
The professor cited linguistic scholars, including Strevens (1980) and Dadzie (2004), who have argued that localized forms of English are better suited for educational purposes in non-native English-speaking countries.
To ensure the successful adoption of Standard Nigerian English and the full implementation of the STEAM education policy, Prof. Okunrinmeta recommended that the government should demonstrate commitment to its full implementation, lamenting that, Policies in Nigeria often fail due to lack of implementation. Thus, all stakeholders must show total commitment to the successful implementation of the programme.”
He added that the government must increase funding beyond the 7.3% allocation in the 2025 national budget to meet UNESCOs 15-20% recommendation; while STEAM curriculum materials should be available in all Nigerian languages, and a register for scientific and technological terms should be created.
Prof. Okunrinmeta emphasized that educators should be retrained in STEAM-based teaching methods to cultivate problem-solving and creativity in students; while Nigerian English dictionaries must be expanded to include more localised expressions for educational purposes.
He noted the need to change the negative attitudes of Nigerian teachers towards using Nigerian English, saying. The challenges arising from the negative attitudes of teachers towards Nigerian expressions need to be urgently addressed since they, if not properly taken care of, will continue to be a threat to the effective teaching of these variations and, by extension, a setback to the endorsement and use of Standard Nigerian English as an endocentric model in schools.
“To enhance the legitimacy of these variations within the Nigerian setting, where some teachers strongly feel that they cannot be used for educational purposes simply because they differ from what obtains in British English, there is the urgent need to update all existing Nigerian English dictionaries to reflect the variations and highlight the contexts in which they are used. Awareness campaigns should promote its legitimacy.”
He concluded, Our students must learn English not just as prescribed by British or American dictionaries, but as it is used to express our realities. By doing so, we will bridge the gap between education and national development.
In his Opening Remarks, the Vice Chancellor of Chairman on the occasion, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, extolled Prof. Okunrinmeta, describing him as an exceptional scholar, an inexhaustible researcher, and an exemplary mentor.
Prof. Ige said, As we immerse ourselves in this enlightening discourse, let us recognize that knowledge, when properly harnessed, can shape societies, influence policies, and transform lives. It is in this spirit that we honour Professor Okunrinmeta today, not just for his achievements, but for his enduring contributions to the collective growth of academia and society.”
