Date: 2017-06-16

The Principal of Roemichs International School, Mr. Kevin Massey, has called for the preservation of Nigerian languages.

He stated that while Nigerian youths and children should be encouraged to learn French, English and other foreign languages, to become global citizens, it was also important to preserve Nigerian culture and encourage pupils to understand and appreciate such.

He spoke in an interview with journalists on Tuesday on the sidelines of the cultural day of Roemichs, in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

He noted that better understanding of indigenous cultures by Nigerians would promote national cohesion and unity.

Massey said, "Understanding Nigerian cultures is very important because Nigeria is a federation and the better we could understand one another's culture, the more united Nigeria will be."

The educationist stated that it was sad that teachers in many parts of the world were poorly remunerated. According to him, teachers would be encouraged for greater productivity and efficiency if they were well paid.

He also said it was sad that Nigeria still refines crude oil abroad.

This, he noted, was economically disadvantageous to the country. He noted that part of the Nigerian curriculum is to develop entrepreneurial skills.

He stated that entrepreneurial skills were important so that Nigeria would be able to make more money from oil and use it judiciously.

Massey said, "It is crazy that the country that produces oil sends it abroad for refining and bring then bring it back again for use, we should encourage diversification."