Today in 2002: Stop speaking Pidgin English - Vice Chancellor

In October 2002, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor Kwadwo Asenso-Okyere gave council to university students to refrain from speaking Pidgin English on campus.

He argued that student's resolve to speak Pidgin has deteriorated their performance in the English Language, stressing it is evidenced in their examination scripts and thesis.

The Vice Chancellor (now late ) was speaking at the matriculation ceremony for first year students of the university when he made this known to students.

Read the full story originally published on October 28, 2001, on Ghanaweb

Professor Kwadwo Asenso-Okyere, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Legon on Saturday expressed concern about the standard of English among university students and advised them to desist from speaking Pidgin English, which he said would not help them.

Speaking at this year's matriculation of 7,959 freshmen out of the 10,301 admitted into the University, Prof Asenso-Okyere said there was evidence of deterioration in English Language among students in their examinations and theses, which some employers had also complained about. "The contributory factor to this development is the use of Pidgin English on the campus, especially among male students," Prof Asenso Okyere said explaining that it was a "hang-over from the secondary schools". "My advice to you is to desist from it if you are part of it. It will mot help you" the Vice Chancellor cautioned.

Prof Asenso-Okyere, who was inducted into office on October 1, this year, said the University administration was tailoring the curricula and teaching to provide skills and competence needed by graduates to meet the challenges of the society. He said with the huge investment in university education it was expected that they would use their knowledge for the benefit of society for the public to provide the funds needed for the mission of the University.

The greatest constraint facing universities, especially the public ones, was funding, the Vice Chancellor said adding that since university education generated both private and public benefits, it was the responsibility of the government, parents, students, the private sector and alumni to contribute towards its functioning. Prof Asenso-Okyere stated that the University would change the way some things were done to generate interest and confidence.

The Vice Chancellor said HIV/AIDS was becoming a big problem on campuses and asked the students to follow healthy moral behavior. He urged them to adhere to the AIDS Control Program message of abstinence, be faithful and to use condoms. The best was abstinence, he said and urged them to concentrate on their books. Students should develop their spiritual being by devoting some time to serve God, he said and urged them to spend their time usefully.