Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to discuss how proverbs are used to propagate the value of education among the ‘Yorubas’ in Southwestern Nigeria. Attached to the values of the ‘Yorubas’ are proverbs. Parental involvement in their children/wards’ education is influenced via enlightenment, through proverb and the presentation of adults’ example of their own character. Education is the art of acquiring skills and knowledge. It is the aggregate, the process by which a child or young adult develop abilities, attitudes and other forms of behaviour, which are of positive value to the society in which he lives. Hence, it could be formal or informal. However, the success of education lies in harnessing the latent potential of an individual. Proverbs are of a universal phenomenon and evolve with the growth and development of the society. It reflects diverse aspects of peoples’ education, culture, beliefs, traditional, social and political institutions; ethics, commerce, etc. Fasiku (2006, 50–63). The value of education is stressed through the use of proverbs for the achievement of individual’s role-expectations, aspirations and consciousness towards self-development and actualization. Far reaching examples and meanings of proverbs used to propagate the value of education are provided to elaborate how proverbs are used to achieve the ends of education.