Urgent Call to Governor Oborevwori: Employ BA Linguistics/Urhobo Graduates in Delta Schools

By Moses Darah

Employing graduates of BA Linguistics/Urhobo in Delta Central and South Senatorial Districts’ schools is crucial for preserving the Urhobo language, literature and culture. With over 200 graduates produced by the Department of Languages and Linguistics, Delta State University, Abraka, since 2002, it is surprising that the Delta State government has not made any efforts to employ them into the primary and secondary schools as teachers in line with the provision of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC); a parastatal of the Federal Ministry of Education responsible for developing and implementing educational policies, curricula, and research in Nigeria.

The lack of employment opportunities for these graduates not only wastes their skills and knowledge but also contributes to the decline of the Urhobo language. This is particularly worrisome given the importance of language in preserving cultural heritage.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s display of Urhobo traditional attire during the PDP Governors’ meeting in Asaba suggests that he values Urhobo culture. Therefore, it is essential to call on the Ukodo of Okpe Kingdom to take concrete steps to support the preservation of the Urhobo language by employing the graduates of Urhobo language studies.

Beyond the traditional attire, Governor Oborevwori can demonstrate his commitment to preserving Urhobo culture, literature and language, while also providing employment opportunities for graduates of BA Linguistics/ Urhobo.