The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale has said that Yoruba Language is deep, rooted in culture, and rich.
He made the acknowledgement while receiving ten (10) American Students for the 2024 Yoruba Group Project Abroad (YGPA) on a courtesy visit to his office.
The programme was facilitated by the Yoruba Language Centre, University of Ibadan and Fulbright Hay Yoruba Group Project Abroad.
Prof. Adebowale expressed his joy in seeing the students learning to speak the Yoruba Language.
The Vice-Chancellor affirmed that the University of Ibadan is the first and the best University in Nigeria.
He urged the tutors to impart to the students a deep knowledge of Yoruba especially the proverbs and idiomatic expressions.
He advised the Yoruba Language Centre to ensure that the students explore the City of Ibadan and its cultural heritage.
The Vice-Chancellor encouraged the students to be patient as this will help them in getting adequate knowledge of Yoruba Language.
Prof. Adebowale advised the students to write down all their experiences, what they encountered and things they saw.
The Director of the Yoruba Language Centre, Prof. Philip Adedotun Ogundeji said the students will be in the University for eight weeks for an acculturation programme.
He stated that students from different institutions across the globe visit the University of Ibadan annually for the acculturation programme.
Prof. Ogundeji explained that the students are lodged with families who will get them accustomed to Yoruba Language and culture.
He expressed hope that the students would be conversant with Yoruba Language before the end of the programme.