Calabar Chieftaincy Calls For Reinstatement Of Efik Language Into WAEC

NSAN NDOMA-NEJI, Calabar 

The Obong of Calabar Executive Forum (OCEF) has demanded immediate reinstatement of Efik language into the WAEC syllabus, describing its delisting as an assault on Efik heritage and identity.

A statement from the forum issued in Calabar, yesterday, the Chairman of OCEF, High Chief Gershom Henshaw, MFR, expressed alarm over the development and wondered why a widely spoken indigenous language with a well-developed orthography should be dropped from the WAEC curriculum.

Henshaw stated that Efik language was used in translating the Bible in the 19th century and was also used for news translation in the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation, NBC, from the 1960s to the 1980s.

He said concerted efforts have been made to sustain the language and forestall its extinction, including the institution of scholarships to students offering Efik language in WAEC and special allowances for Efik language teachers.

Other measures, according to him, include the recalling of retired Efik language teachers to teach and the airing of Efik language programmes on radio and television, among others.

The OCEF Chairman expressed displeasure over a situation where Efik language students were given Igbo question papers in the WAEC examination to write in place of Efik subject, saying, "Such was totally unacceptable and should not repeat itself."

Chief Henshaw assured WAEC that OCEF will make available enough number of candidates for Efik language examination to meet WAEC's requirements, adding that, "The Palace of the Obong of Calabar is poised to ensure that Efik language does not go into extinction."