Education
THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND THE JARGON OF TRANSPORTATION
One of the uses of the English Language as stated by David Crystal (a linguist) in 2010 is English for special purpose. Apart from the use of English for general purposes, every profession is characterized by its technical term as well as some styles of writing that are peculiar to them alone. These terms are known as JARGON and not what people interpret as RUBBISH.
The first expression to be considered here is BOARD. I have read many descriptions of places indicating this:
“Board a bus from Surulere to Oshodi.” “Surulere and “Oshodi” are names of places in Lagos. The important question to ask here is, “Is the use of board inappropriate?” our findings reveal this as the meaning of board.
Board means to get on a bus, plane, train etc in order to travel somewhere.
The definition shows that board is only concerned with travelling.
I board a bus from Lagos to Abuja every Saturday.
Some users suggested the use of the word ENTER. They say, “Enter a bus to Abuja. “The definition of enter reveals. Enter means to go or come into a place. He entered the room suddenly.
word ENTER is not jargon peculiar to transportation unlike board that is wrongly used. In talking about a short distance, especially within the same state, use the word “GET ON’’. You can say,
Get on a bus from Surulere to Oshodi.
If one gets on a bus, don’t you often hear the expression get down? I noticed another expression emanating from get down. The expression is come down. Somebody must have asked you this once;
“Are you coming down here?”
Let us examine the two expressions.
Get down means to write something especially something that someone is saying.
He was followed by a group of reporters trying to get down every word he said.
It will be ridiculous if a policeman tells an educated driver to get down, and he picks his pen and paper saying,
“I am listening.
That is the accurate interpretation of the statement and he acted appropriately in that situation.
What about the phrasal verb “Come down”. The closest meanings to the situation of a bus are:
- For someone to travel to the place where one is.
Are you coming down for the holiday?
- to fall to the ground.
We were still out in the fields when the rain started coming down.
The word people use to replace “get down” and “come down” is alight.
How accurate is the use of the expression? Alight, as a verb is Intransitive; meaning that it does not need an object to make a sentence. If there must be an object after it, the preposition “from” must follow it. She alighted from the bus at Ikeja.
Not, She alighted at Ikeja. What is the meaning of the word alight? Our findings reveal that the word alight means to step out of a vehicle after a journey. Most users insist the use of the preposition “from” as a collocation for the word “alight”
Examine this expression:
“Do not alight from a moving bus”
Instead of bothering yourselves with the usage of get down, come down and even alight; try to use the word ‘GET OFF’’
Say,
Driver! I want to get off here.
Drivers often use the expression “Trafficate” Don’t you say that too? You must have accused somebody that he/she did not trafficate for you.
Let’s examine this conversation:
A: Did you trafficate?
B: I thought you saw my trafficator.
Sincerely, there was a blend of the two words Traffic and indicator.
The blending took place in Mid 20th Century. This suggests that the word “trafficator” existed for some time before going into extinction. There was never, such word as “trafficate” in English it must have emanated from back formation as a result of over generalisation.
Just like,
Generater – Generate
Instructor – Instruct
Drivers!Please read this
We discovered these words as the appropriate expressions, indicate and indicator . Let us examine their meanings.
Indicate means to show the direction in which you intend to turn in a vehicle using lights or your hands.
Don’t forget to indicate before you pull out.
Indicator is one of the lights in a car that flash to show which way the car is turning.
Let’s revisit the conversation:
A: Did you indicate?
B: I thought you saw my indicator
Again, as it was established, though still used by some people, that the word “Go slow” has nothing to do with traffic; go slow is a protest against an employer in which the workers work as slowly as possible. Nigerian users tend to use the words “hold up” and ‘’traffic jam” interchangeably.
Is traffic jam the same as hold up?
Traffic jam is long line of vehicles on a road that cannot move or can only move very slowly.
We were stuck in a traffic jam for two hours.
Hold-up, however, is a situation that stops something from happening or making progress. It means a delay.
Traffic hold-up implies traffic delay. The delay can come in any form and not necessarily a long line of vehicles on a road. Traffic hold-up goes beyond that. In comparison, both the traffic jam and the traffic hold-up lead to delay as that is the effect of the two situations except that the description of the two situations are not the same.
The first day that I posted this expression as inappropriate, I received a lot of criticism as feedback. I am also expecting the same in this publication. English is a language, just like other languages, that is governed by rules and certain styles. I have read this expression in different materials like posters, billboard and even certain newspapers. It is often used by the government agencies to instruct and to discourage people about crossing the highway. Can you guess what the expression is? It is PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE.
Our concept of a pedestrian bridge is a bridge that is used by people walking and not by vehicles there any type of bridge that is named pedestrian Bridge? Who is a pedestrian? Pedestrian is someone who is walking, especially along a street or other places used by cars.
From the definition if there is anything like a pedestrian bridge, it should be a bridge that is used both by the motorists and the people walking and not by the people walking alone. We investigated further about different types of bridge that exists.
We discovered the following types: Flyover Viaduct Suspension bridge Hump-backed bridge Foot bridge.
Flyover is a bridge that takes one road over another road.
Viaduct is a long high bridge, especially one with ARCHES that crosses a valley and has a road or railway on it.
Suspension bridge is a bridge that has no support under it, but is hung from strong steel ropes fixed to towers.
Hump-backed bridge is a short bridge with a steep slope on each side.
Foot bridge is a narrow bridge used by people who are walking.
Cantilever bridge is a bridge made from a long piece of metal or wood that sticks out from an upright post or wall and supports a shell.
Truss bridge is a bridge that is supported by a frame.
From all the types of bridge discovered, flyover and Foot Bridge are common to us. What then is the likely source of the expression Pedestrian Bridge? There are some bridges in Nigeria that are used both by the people walking as well as the motorists. Unlike the definition of pedestrian, there are separate roads for the motorists and the people walking. It is safe to use the expression FLYOVER for such.
For the bridges that are constructed for the people walking alone and not together with the motorists.
The appropriate word for the bridge used by the people walking alone is known as FOOT BRIDGE.
Instead of the notice
“Use the Pedestrian Bridge’’
It is better to write
Use the Foot Bridge
You must have observed this the expression even along our roads. The expression is used to indicate the name of the police officer that controls traffic.
I was surprised to read in one of the questions of the Accounting Technical Scheme, Communication Skills
The signs used by the Traffic Warden in controlling traffic is known as …………………………
You must have seen the expression ‘Traffic Warden” to imply the police officer that direct the movement of the vehicles on the road .
Is this name appropriate?
Who is a Traffic warden?
Traffic warden is a person whose job is to check that people do not park their cars in the wrong place or for longer than as allowed and to report on those who do or tell them that they have to pay a FINE
We discovered another definition close to the Nigerian usage from World English Dictionary .
Traffic warden is an un uniformed public official; who enforces parking restriction on the highway and may also direct traffic
That definition does not interpret our use for some reason.
- Our conception of a traffic warden is a uniformed public official.
- Traffic warden, in our definition, majorly controls the traffic .
Do you observe something in the definitions of the word traffic warden? No single definition indicate that a traffic warden is a police officer.
What do we say then?
The police officer that directs traffic is unofficially known as TRAFFIC COP. In a formal writing or speech, the police officer is known as a TRAFFIC OFFICER.
The Essence of this column is not to criticise any organisation or body. We intend to expose us to the fact that our use of English is still very low in Nigeria. Our students in secondary schools do not usually pass the English language as expected.
Most of our graduates are afraid of speaking the English language confidently because they are not sure of the appropriate usage of the lexical items.
We have been able to examine the following words in this edition, board , get down , trafficate, hold up, traffic jam, pedestrian bridge and traffic warden.
The discussion continues in the next edition
Don’t forget this, a good Communication Skill can make you greater than you can ever imagine. It is relevant to every profession.
Take a good decision today. Acquire this skill and become better. The Gospel of good English is what we preach at the Stylisticians English Language School.
The Stylisticians
Moshood Abimbola Alabi
Stylisticians English Language School.
14, Iwaya Road, Yaba, Lagos
PIN:7F26FB7A
FAB Luxury Court Sets A Rare Benchmark For Excellence In Africa
~By Oluwaseun Fabiyi
Fab Luxury Court distinguishes itself as the premier choice for reliable investors and proactive developers in Nigeria and Africa.While numerous real estate entities operate within the country, Fab Luxury Court stands out for its exceptional honesty and integrity, delivering on the promises showcased on its social media page to distinguished customers globally.
As of now, no investors, whether domestic or international, have expressed regret over investing in or partnering with Fab Luxury Court. The company’s commitment to accessibility, accountability, and transparent financial reviews sets it apart from its contemporaries, rendering it a prized asset among its extensive clientele worldwide. Thousands of customers continue to patronize Fab Luxury Court due to its impeccable integrity and visionary approach.
*Why is Fab Luxury Court a worthwhile investment that warrants prompt consideration rather than hesitation?*
Fab Luxury Court’s security measures are exemplary and deserving of commendation, providing investors with capital protection through a robust structured framework, transparent reporting, and comprehensive legal documentation, thereby guaranteeing outstanding and secure returns.
Fab Luxury Court has further cemented its position as a leading developer and real estate powerhouse in Nigeria and Africa, currently managing several high-end estates in Maryland, Ikeja, Lagos and its surrounding areas.Fab Luxury Court demonstrates its unwavering commitment to excellence in Nigeria’s real estate sector through its best-selling estates in Ikeja.
Undoubtedly, partnering with and patronizing Fab Luxury Court will significantly contribute to securing your future; as you plan to associate with them in 2027, we encourage you to maintain a positive outlook and unwavering confidence in your future wealth.
Edukate Africa holds summit to tackle funding barrier in education
By Ifeoma Ikem
Edukate Africa, an edu-fintech platform is set to host the Disrupt Education Summit Africa (Disrupt ED) aimed at tackling funding barriers, skills gaps and curriculum mismatch in Nigeria’s education system.
The Director of Edukate Africa, Francis Omorojie who disclosed this to newsmen explained that the initiative was driven by the high rate of school dropouts linked largely to financial constraints, particularly at the higher institution
Omorojie said the summit scheduled for January 29 at the University of Lagos will bring together government officials, universities, financial institutions, private sector players and philanthropies to rethink education financing and prepare young Nigerians for the realities of today’s digital workforce.
He said that more than 50 percent of students who drop out of higher institutions do so because they cannot afford tuition and related costs, a situation he described as a major contributor to unemployment, brain drain and irregular migration.
“Africa’s youthful population could either become an economic advantage or a liability, depending on how well education and talent development are managed.
“Education is a fundamental need, but financial exclusion has continued to shut out many promising young people. When students drop out, it feeds unemployment and social instability.
“Our mission is to build innovative and sustainable financial models that keep young Africans in school and help them become productive,” he said.
He noted that Edukate Africa is deploying blended financing solutions that include tuition guarantees, technology driven scholarship platforms, gig and remote work opportunities for students, and partnerships with universities and philanthropies to establish endowment and alumni funds.
He said that the platform pays tuition directly to institutions after verifying students’ admission and academic records, ensuring transparency and accountability for donors.
“The summit would focus on aligning education with the fast changing nature of work, driven by digital transformation, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies as any university curricula are lagging behind workplace realities, leaving graduates ill prepared for employment.
“There is a clear disconnect between what students are taught and what employers need. This summit will create a roundtable where government, academia and the private sector can agree on the skills required for today’s economy and how to integrate them into learning.
“It will also examine education financing models, including how banks and financial institutions can design student friendly funding products, and how existing initiatives such as the Nigeria Education Loan Fund can be strengthened and scaled.’’
Omorojie added that Edukate Africa would use the summit to launch the CommUniversity Endowment Fund, a community led investment fund designed to generate sustainable returns that will be used to sponsor vulnerable students and support young entrepreneurs.
Unlike traditional grant models, he said the fund would invest in revenue generating businesses, with dividends channeled into education support and seed funding for student led startups.
He said the initiative would also promote innovation through activities such as Pitch My Dissertation, Africathon and inter university debates, encouraging students to turn academic research into commercial solutions and job creating ventures.
According to him, over 1,000 students and recent graduates are expected at the summit, with a partners’ pavilion providing employers and organisations direct access to top talent.
He added that Edukate Africa has already supported students in Nigeria, the United Kingdom and Uganda to complete their education, in some cases with relatively small amounts that made the difference between graduation and dropping out.
He said that the ultimate goal is to move beyond access to education and ensure that young people graduate with relevant skills, funding support and pathways into employment or entrepreneurship, thereby contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic development.
Also speaking, Tosin Adebisi, Co-Founder of Edukate Africa said the Disrupt ED Summit was designed as a disruptive and transformative convergence that would move beyond familiar conversations to practical collaboration.
Adebisi said the summit was built around a new framework called Communiversity, which seeks to integrate universities, policymakers, industry, the third sector and students into a single ecosystem.
“Rather than everyone working in silos, Communiversity brings together policymakers, universities, industry and civil society, with students at the centre, to address access to education, the future of work and Africa’s competitiveness.
“Communiversity model would leverage alumni networks, high net worth individuals and diaspora support to unlock sustainable funding for universities.
“The summit is being organised in partnership with the University of Lagos and the University of Birmingham, with support from the Federal Ministry of Education.’’
The dignitaries that would grace the occasion include, Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa; the Provost and Vice Principal of the University of Birmingham, Professor Nick, the Chief Operating Officer of Semicolon Africa, Ms Ashley Immanuel; and the Chief Executive Officer of Sterling One Foundation, Mrs Olapeju Ibikwe
FCAIB is set to launch degree programmes in partnership with FUNAAB
IBADAN, OYO STATE, NIGERIA – In a groundbreaking move, the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has given the green light for the introduction of two innovative degree programmes at the Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan (FCAIB), set to kick off in the 2025/2026 academic session.
According to an official release e-signed and made available to the media by Mrs. Wilson Oyekemi, Head of the Public Relations Unit of the institution, the newly approved programmes are B.Sc. (Home Science and Management) and B.Agric. (Agricultural Science).
As stated, the next academic session will witness the official commencement of both degree programmes, which constitutes a major breakthrough in the College’s academic development.
Established in 1921, the Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan (FCAIB), originally known as the School of Agriculture, proudly stands as Nigeria’s and West Africa’s first agricultural institution, with a long and storied history.
The College’s roots trace further back to 1899, when Moor Plantation, Ibadan was established as a model farm to promote rubber cultivation and general agricultural improvement.
By 1905, the station evolved into an experimental research centre, focusing primarily on cotton production and other key agricultural studies.
The formal establishment of the School of Agriculture in 1921 marked the beginning of structured agricultural education in Nigeria.
Following the regionalization of education in 1954, the school relocated to its present site – where it has since grown into a formidable centre of agricultural learning and innovation.
Over the past century, the Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan, has consistently upheld its mission of contributing to Nigeria’s agricultural development through qualitative education, skills acquisition, and the production of middle-level manpower for the agricultural sector.
The institution remains committed to empowering students with practical, hands-on skills and modern knowledge tailored to meet the evolving needs of agribusiness and food production in the 21st century.
Becoming Nigeria’s Premier Agricultural Institution, FCAIB envisions becoming the foremost agricultural education institution in Nigeria’s tertiary education system – a vision strengthened by its continued academic expansion and infastructural growth.
With over 100 years of continuous service, the Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan has built a strong reputation as a leader in agricultural education, training, and research across the subregion.
The College currently offers a wide range of National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes across several disciplines, including:
National Diploma Programmes:
– Agricultural and Bio-Environmental Engineering Technology
– Agricultural Technology
– Home and Rural Economics
– Horticultural Technology
– Cooperative Economics and Management
– Science Laboratory Technology (SLT)
– Computer Science
– Food Technology
– Office Management Technology
– Library and information Science
– Multimedia Technology
– Organic Agricultural Technology
Higher National Diploma Programmes:
– Agricultural and Bio-Environmental Engineering Technology (Farm Power/Post-Harvest Technology/Soil & Water options)
– Agricultural Extension and Management
– Animal Production Technology
– Crop Production Technology
– Horticultural Technology
– Agribusiness Management
– Pest Management Technology
– Science Laboratory Technology (Microbiology Option)
These programmes are designed to blend theory with practical field experience, ensuring graduates are job-ready and self-reliant in the agricultural sector.
Beyond academic instruction, FCAIB maintains a strong emphasis on research and development, particularly in areas that directly impact food production and sustainable agricultural practices.
Recent infrastructural developments at the institution included the establishment of a Meteorological Centre, a Garri Processing Plant and an Oil Palm Processing Unit, all aimed at enhancing research, student training, and community impact.
The 9th and current Provost who doubled as the 28th Head of the 105 year-old Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan, Prof. Jonathan Jeremiah Atungwu, a distinguished Nigerian academic Professor of Plant Nematology and an expert in Organic Agriculture and Biopesticides development with
research focus on non-chemical crop protection options, remained a focused and visionary leader.
He is Certified locally and internationally with enviable credentials, some of which include but not limited to:
– Over 100 publications in reputable outlets
– Expertise in Organic Agriculture and Biopesticides development.
– A team player with demonstrated leadership skills and experience in various capacities: Past Dean (COLPLANT) in FUNAAB and LASU, President of several professional societies.
– Membership and leadership in international and local organizations, such as ISOFAR, ISPP, NSPP, NISOP, ADAN and many more.
Prof. Atungwu is a renowned mentor for the upcoming agricultural scientists, teachers, agropreneurs, and youths.
He is happily married, and blessed with pleasant, hardworking, and disciplined children.
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