The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt Gen TY Buratai has said that the ability of the officers and soldiers to communicate with local populations in indigenous language is a key requirement for success in the human domain of operation. This was made known at the graduation ceremony of the Indigenous Languages Proficiency Course II at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC).
The Director General, NARC, Maj Gen Johnny Hamakim in his opening remarks, posited that the Indigenous Languages Course is an initiative of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt Gen TY Buratai, in line with his language policy, to make officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army proficient in at least two other major Nigerian languages other than their mother tongue.
He stressed further, that the Course will make troops of the NA to be adequately equipped and fitted into the domestic security environment; thereby making them to be on top of the security challenges. He stressed that the aim of the course is to bridge the communication barrier in view of the multi-lingual nature of our country.
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General Hamakim explained, that the course was delivered using lecture method and combination of presentations, photo stories, video clips and small group work and exercises amongst others. He explained further that, participants were also assessed through class participation and activities as well as written practical examinations.
He said the programme climaxed with a field exercise during which the participants were taken to Mambilla Barracks Mammy Market and Kasco Corner Shops where instructors observed them demonstrate their proficiency in conversations. He congratulated all the participants on the successful completion and participation.
The High point of the graduation ceremony was the presentation of three playlets in the three major Nigerian language classes in Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba. The presentation of the playlets was a demonstration of the understanding of the three major languages that the participants were taught while undergoing the language courses.
The participants were later presented with certificates of participation by the COAS, Lt Gen TY Buratai with the assistance of the DG NARC, Major General Johnny Hamakim (rtd). The ceremony was graced by senior military officers, soldiers, course facilitators from Laclic services Ltd and civilian staff of the Centre.
