The graduation ceremony of the indigenous languages proficiency course for selected Nigerian Army officers and soldiers was held at the NARC on 24th August, 2018. It would be recalled that the language proficiency course which commenced on 24th July, 2018 was graciously extended by the COAS for additional one month in order to further enhance the proficiency of the course participants on the three major indigenous languages in country. The objective of the course is to enable personnel be proficient in other indigenous languages other than their mother tongue. The course was organised by NARC in collaboration with Laclic Services Limited, a leading language school and cultural institution in Nigeria.
In his remarks the Managing Director, Laclic Services Limited, Chief (Sir) Ndubisi Nzenweofor Thierry expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai for the confidence reposed in Laclic Services Limited and for approving the collaboration with the Nigerian Army Resource Centre which contributed to the success of the programme.
Earlier on, the Director of Training reiterated that a total of 17 officers and 49 soldiers took part in the programme. He explained that 15 of the participants undertook the Hausa language, 22 participated in Igbo language while 30 undertook Yoruba language respectively.
In his closing remarks, the Director General Maj Gen Johhny Hamakim (rtd), stressed the importance of the course and noted that similar course was recently conducted for Principal Staff Officers (PSOs) in Army Headquarters, which culminated in a proficiency test. He highlighted the relevance of the current NA language policy for officers and soldiers to be proficient in both indigenous and exogenous languages. The policy directive is also informed by the nature and dynamics of contemporary security challenges both at domestic and international spheres. Proficiency in these languages will enhance the performance of personnel in the conduct of operations as it will improve their abilities to communicate effectively with the local communities.
The DG thanked the COAS for his strategic direction and untiring support to the Centre. He acknowledged the support provided to the Centre for the extension of the language proficiency course and noted that the investment has paid off as evidenced by the performance of the students in their final evaluation.
