Education
DEALING WITH SPELLING ERRORS : How you can be completely free from making spelling errors
Recently, the West African Examination Council (WAEC),released the result of the recent SSCE(Senior School Certificate Examination)result and, as usual, less than 50% of the candidates that sat for the examination passed English and Mathematics. This is pathetic and it is an indication that our linguistic competence and performance are still very low in this part of the world.
One of the three papers of the English Language is PAPER ONE. The paper carries the highest mark as it is used to test the ability of the students to use the language effectively especially through their writing skills. Spelling skill is also a very important aspect here as any error in spelling affects the overall performance of the students.
A lot of factors have contributed to the inability of students and people generally to spell correctly. One of such is text messaging and the social media. Users try as much as possible to reduce the number of characters in order to increase the volume of the message. This has led to the invention of series sub standard abbreviations.ae
These are some examples
B4 for before
GR8 for great
LOL for Laughing out Loud or Lots of Love.
Students prefer the sub standard abbreviations to the standard and acceptable ones.The effect on every individual is the creation of a gap between us and the correct spellings of some words.
Here are some of the words that we do not often spell correctly in Nigeria.
1.EXPATIATE
Users often believe that the word is derived from the verb EXPAND.To them,EXPANCIATE/EXPANTIATE should be the appropriate spelling. The word is actually spelt without the letter N.
2.SELLOTAPE
Students believe that the spelling of this word resembles the spelling of CELL and they often spell the word as CELLOTAPE.
3.IN FACT
The major error here is the tendency of writing the two words as one.Even in some textbooks,I have seen the phrase written as INFACT. That is unacceptable as the word suggests two different words and not a compound name.If in fact it is a compound name, it should have been hyphenated.
- SEATING ARRANGEMENT
I have seen students spell the phrase as SITTING ARRANGEMENT. Seat in this context represents an organised sitting position which is usually on a chair.Sitting is not necessarily on a chair but the act of being in a sitting position.
- INASMUCH
This is usually written as a word and t is never separated as one word.Users often sepatare the word so as to write it as THREE WORDS IN AS MUCH.
- INTERPRET
Are you also a victim? People often spell the word as INTERPRETE. The last letter is T and not E.
- SEPARATE
Users believe that the word is expected to be spelt as SEPERATE. They believe that there is no relation of the letter A in the pronunciation.
One important thing about the English Language is DYNAMISM in the ways the letters and words are pronounced.
For example
CH in
Character is pronounced as K
While in
Chair is pronounced as SH
Also
The word EWE is pronounced as YOU.
The word PROPHET is pronounced as PROFIT.
- MISSPELL
Users usually omit one of the doubled S and spell the word as MISPELL. That is not acceptable.
- FIRST-BORN
The word is a compound name and it is usually hyphenated. Avoid the use of the spelling without the hyphen as it makes the word to become meaningless.
- EVERYDAY/EVERY DAY
The two expressions are not the same. The word EVERYDAY(written together) is an adjective that functions as a pre-modifier.
Say
Everyday medicine
Everyday usage
EVERY DAY, however, indicates regularly or daily.
Say,
I see him every day.
I read your posts every day.
Spelling is very essential in our daily usage of the English Language. Try as much as possible to reduce the use of the sub standard abbreviations so as not to kill your spelling skills.
John(name withheld) was very joyous after attending our training on PUBLIC SPEAKING. He said every Sunday used to be a sad day for me as I was usually asked to address the congregation at the church. I hardly could speak for TEN MINUTES out of the THIRTY MINUTES alloted for my session.
I am happy today as I speak for ONE HOUR after attending a THREE-MONTH TRAINING at the STYLISTICIANS ENGLISH LANGUAGE SCHOOL.
Join our ONLINE TRAINING which commences on Saturday 20th August,2015 for just 3,000 naira and enjoy a TWO-MONTH TRAINING. Reaching you is our goal.
We want to spread the GOSPEL of good English.
Dealing with spellings continues in next edition.
Education
From Rejection to Record-Breaker: LASU’s Best Graduating Student Thought She Had Failed in Life
From Rejection to Record-Breaker: LASU’s Best Graduating Student Thought She Had Failed in Life
In an inspiring twist of fate, Miss Isioma Nwosu, who once believed she had failed in life after missing out on her dream course, emerged as the Overall Best Graduating Student of Lagos State University (LASU) for the 2023/2024 academic session with an astounding CGPA of 4.93.
Nwosu, a graduate of Biochemistry, captivated the audience with her moving valedictory speech at LASU’s 28th Convocation Ceremony, held at the university’s main campus in Ojo.
“I thought I had failed in life,” she confessed, recounting the heartbreak of not gaining admission to study Medicine and Surgery—her lifelong ambition.
After finishing secondary school as her set’s valedictorian in 2019, Nwosu faced a major blow: she scored just two points below the cut-off mark to study Medicine at the University of Ibadan. The setback forced her to retake UTME, a decision she said left her humiliated and defeated.
“A valedictorian writing UTME again? It was a bitter pill to swallow,” she recalled.
When she eventually reapplied to study Medicine and Surgery—this time at LASU—fate again dealt her a curveball. She was offered Biochemistry, a course she admitted she had “never heard of” until that moment.
“My heart broke a second time. I couldn’t embrace the course at first,” she said.
But through perseverance, and the encouragement of her lecturers and friends, Isioma not only embraced Biochemistry—she excelled beyond all expectations, finishing top of a graduating class of 11,917 students.
“Dreams Can Be Delayed, Not Denied”
In a stirring message to fellow graduates and aspiring students, Nwosu urged young people not to abandon their dreams in the face of rejection or redirection.
“Never be afraid of having big dreams. Your dreams are the seeds of greatness. You are resilient, capable, and prepared for the future,” she said.
She also stressed the importance of surrounding oneself with “friends of value, vision, and ambition.”
VC Urges Graduates to Shape Their Legacy
In her address, LASU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, praised the class of 2023/2024, reminding them that they hold the pen to write the next chapter of their lives.
“You’ve demonstrated excellence in both character and learning. Now use that knowledge to drive meaningful change,” she charged.
The university awarded diplomas, degrees, and certificates across various disciplines, celebrating not just academic success but stories of resilience and transformation—none more powerful than that of Isioma Nwosu, who turned disappointment into distinction.
Meet Eniola Olushola, the newest MSc sociologist from the University of Oye Ekiti
~By Oluwaseun Fabiyi
Eniola Olushola’s career journey demonstrates the impact of ongoing education and deliberate self-improvement in meeting the constantly changing requirements of the modern industry
Eniola has consistently proven his ability to deliver innovative solutions and drive impactful change through a unique blend of humanitarian expertise and executive leadership training
Eniola Olushola began his academic pursuits with a bachelor’s degree from a prestigious university in Nigeria and later earned a master’s degree in sociology from the Federal University of Oye, Ekiti, driven by a growing interest in sustainability and environmental stewardship
The accomplishment bolstered his expertise in addressing multifaceted humanitarian and environmental issues within industrial settings, firmly establishing him as a leading authority in his field of expertise
Eniola Olushola has demonstrated a consistent commitment to self-advancement, recognizing the essential function of leadership in navigating the complexities of today’s fast-paced business landscape and humanitarian issues, and has acquired the necessary expertise to effectively cater to the changing needs in Nigeria and Africa
Additionally, his outstanding leadership is unmatched and his contribution to society is significantly substantial to be overlooked
Eniola Olushola has emerged as a leader with a deep understanding of African resourcefulness needs and the ability to drive innovation, foster growth, and lead with purpose through his transformative experiences in a highly competitive global environment
Eniola Olushola’s relentless pursuit of education demonstrates his dedication to amplifying his positive influence on our society. Through ongoing upskilling, he has empowered himself to address evolving business needs with ease
His acumen in top-tier programs reflects his commitment to balancing academic rigor with practical leadership
Eniola Olushola has achieved something remarkable at the academy and really deserves big congratulations.
Oluwaseun Fabiyi a seasoned journalist writes from Lagos.
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