Nigerian Gov’t Approves Use Of Mother Tongue For Instruction In Primary Schools

Nigerian government has approved a national language policy allowing the use of mother tongue for teaching pupils in primary schools.

According to the Federal Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, the approval was given during the Federal Executive Council meeting held on Wednesday, 30th November 2022.

Speaking to State House correspondents at the end of the Council’s meeting which was presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari, Adamu said its implementation takes immediate effect, but noted that a lot of work needed to be done to make it effective as it takes time to develop the instructional materials.

“A memo on national policy was approved by the council. So, Nigeria now has a National Language Policy and the details will be given later by the ministry.

“One of the highlights is that the government has agreed now that henceforth, instruction in primary schools; the first six years of learning will be in the mother tongue,” Adamu stated.

According to the minister, the decision is only in principle for now because it will require a lot of work to implement it.

“Theoretically, this policy starts from today but the use of mother tongue is exclusive but we need time to develop the material, get the teachers and so on.

”Since the first six years of school should be in the mother tongue. Whereby the pupil is, the language of the host community is what will be used.

“Because we have 625 languages at the last count and the objective of this policy is to promote, and enhance the cultivation and use of all Nigerian languages,” he added.

He further revealed that the council approved a consultancy services agreement between the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and a private company, for the upgrade of the portal on which the Board records candidates seeking admission into higher institutions of learning.