#Bookoclocktweetchat with Zainab Abdulrasheed
Rosemary Enokela
Last month on our Twitter, we had an insightful chat with Zainab Abdulrasheed, an award-winning teacher of English and Literature.
The tweetchat was the second of a monthly literary tweetchat series tagged #bookoclocktweetchat, where we host African authors and scholars and engage them in conversations surrounding literature.
Our conversation bothered on “Improving Teaching of Literature in Nigeria” and it was anchored by our Creative Director and co-founder, Uchenna Emelife.
If you missed it, here is a recap.
As a teacher of Literature in Nigeria who has taught for some time, how has the experience been?
It has been a really amazing experience. Being on the other side of the literature class and having to steer the wheel of the literary discourse, has been pretty interesting, to say the least.
What has been your proudest moment for you as a teacher?
It would definitely be those precious moments where my champs bring 'Art' to life, for instance, when we staged an adaptation of Elechi Amadi’s 'The Concubine' at the National Theatre in Lagos. It felt so surreal, watching my little champs on the big stage bringing the characters to life. Seeing my students express their creative prowess makes me super proud.
What are those challenges you face in the discharge of your duties?
“Challenges are relative, they can be stumbling blocks or ladders, it’s about perspective.”
One notable challenge that stands out for me personally, is the decline in reading culture amongst younger people. When I was much younger, reading books (fiction and nonfiction) helped shaped our perspectives and enriched our worldview, but sadly the reverse is the case these days, with a whole bunch of young people especially teenagers finding reading boring. As a literature teacher, It takes extra effort to get students to appreciate literary works of art. Even the recommended texts for the exams because most times they will rather be playing games on their mobile phones or doing other activities than reading.
There is a lesser appeal—as you've said to Literature among Nigerian teens and YAs. Our Language classes in schools are always scanty especially when compared to science classes. What do you think is responsible for this?
“Many fail to appreciate the hard work that goes into creating a literary piece”
I think the attitude of the society towards viewing the Arts as a mere form of entertainment and leisure rather than a profession contributes to it. Many fail to appreciate the hard work that goes into creating a literary piece whether it’s poetry, drama or song. It is erroneously believed that the 'not so serious students' or 'struggling students' are meant for the Arts while other exceptional students are meant for other areas like the sciences ,so young people are obviously more attracted to other areas than the arts, because they feel that they are more likely to earn societal respect. It’s a social conditioning that needs to be unlearned.
Do you agree with the saying that Africans don't read? Shed more light on your opinion.
I strongly disagree with the statement Africans don't read because Africans all over the world are showing out everyday, putting their best foot forward. Africans,I am proud and unapologetic to say are one of the most intelligent beings on the surface of the Earth. To say that they don't read is a fallacious statement that no one should believe.Although, it's undeniable that there are several factors affecting the culture of reading as a flourishing one e.g poverty and ignorance.
The Nigerian Literature syllabus is quite obsolete. There is the little representation of contemporary works and the somewhat demotivating pattern of delivery. Writers end up owing their expertise to personal readings over the classroom. What are your thoughts on this?
"Our syllabus must reflect our present and future needs as a society”
Interesting! It is hard to separate the influence of the classroom from the overall product of a literary creative. It is of no doubt that a lot of young creatives have the innate ability to put out good work but the structure of the classroom helps a great deal in putting out a better work. I agree that a lot of work needs to change as regards teaching methodologies and curriculum. Our syllabus must reflect our present and future needs as a society
In 2018, you won the maiden Teach for Change Teacher prize for Literature, among other accolades, do you mind sharing with us what difference you bring into the classroom that makes you stand out?
“I have the unequivocal believe that literature is a tool for social change.”
Winning that award has definitely been a life changing experience .To your question, I believe that every engagement with students should stir up feelings that are problem solving inclined. It should bring about positive impact to their immediate environment. I emphasize the use of role playing and collaboration in bringing life to issues affecting our society, thereby creating a need for students to see the problems and do something about it. The 21st century learning skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, problem solving skills have helped shaped my lessons over the years. I have the unequivocal believe that literature is a tool for social change. I actively take steps to engage my students in learning literature for social good.
Are you confident in the upcoming generation of literary creatives? Use your students as a case study.
“The world has never been more blessed with a generation of doers.”
A lot of young people are actively taking steps to bring about positive change to our nation. My students both current and ex- students are making their mark positively and I am super proud whether it’s through lending their voices to different causes for social good e.g climate change action, ending Female genital mutilation, youth empowerment, enlightenment of the public on HIV/AIDS e.t.c or taking actions like creating platforms such as NGOs to bring about social change in our community especially issues affecting teenagers and the girl child.
What's your advise to other teachers or aspiring teachers of Literature on how they can have a more hands-on class?
I am blessed to know a lot of amazing Literature teachers doing awesome work to change the narrative of teaching Literature in English in Nigeria. One platform I would implore all teachers and aspiring teachers of Literature in English to be a part of is Teach for Change Nigeria. It’s an organisation that is helping to connect teachers of Literature from different parts of the world. Also, helping to proffer solutions to the challenges of teaching Literature in English. You are only as powerful as the resources at your disposal, when you collaborate with others you learn more and you are exposed to tools that can make your teaching more effective. At Teach for Change Nigeria, a lot of resources and tools are shared for free.
What suggestions would you give to the Nigerian Ministry of Education to both improve and make teaching and learning Literature easier?
It is of grave importance that Literature in English is seen as a subject that can bring about the much needed change we crave as a society and as such should be taken seriously. More Literature teachers should be empowered with the needed resources such as digital skills and materials to deliver their best especially teachers in rural areas with limited or no resources.
Are you aware of any plan to update the Nigerian Literature syllabus?
Sincerely, I am not privy to such information for the high school syllabus, but I know that the junior school syllabus is usually reviewed from time to time, to meet the current trends.
That’s it, bookies. We hope you enjoyed this chat as much as we did. Join us again in few weeks time as we host another name in Nigerian literature. Want to know who that is? I guess you’d just have to stay glued to our Social Media to find out: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Medium.
Meanwhile, click here to read our last tweetchat with Oyinkan Braithwaithe, author of best-selling crime novel, My Sister, the Serial Killer.
Stay safe.
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Rosemary Enokela is a 300 level student in Medicine. An avid reader of all things letters, her head is almost always buried in the pages of a book. Rosemary is also an aspiring writer. She is the Book Club Coordinator of Book O’Clock Review.
