By DAYO ADESULU
Government Says New Policy Aims to Improve Learning and Global Competitiveness
The Nigerian government has suspended the use of indigenous languages as the medium of instruction across all schools, mandating English as the exclusive language for teaching from early childhood to tertiary education.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced the decision on Wednesday during the Language in Education International Conference 2025, hosted by the British Council in Abuja. The event, themed “Language, Education and Inclusion: Empowering Every Learner,” convened education policymakers, linguists, and development experts from Africa, South Asia, and the United Kingdom.
Alausa said the shift marks a significant policy reversal aimed at improving comprehension, national unity, and international competitiveness among Nigerian students.
“The English language should be used to teach our students at all levels as a means of instruction,” Alausa stated.
“Over the years, the use of mother tongues in classrooms has contributed to low performance in national examinations. The national policy on language has been cancelled — English now stands as the medium of instruction across all levels of education.”
Data-Driven Policy Shift
The minister said recent data from public examinations such as WAEC, NECO, and JAMB revealed that heavy reliance on local languages in teaching had correlated with declining academic outcomes in several regions. He described the decision as part of a move toward “evidence-based policy rather than emotional attachment to cultural identity.”
According to Alausa, while indigenous languages remain important for heritage and communication, English provides a more effective bridge for learning, technology, and global engagement.
> “English serves as a unifying tool across Nigeria’s diverse linguistic landscape,” he explained. “It opens access to global knowledge, technology, and international opportunities for our students.”
British Council Supports Inclusive Language Education
In his remarks, Julian Parry, Director of English Programmes for Sub-Saharan Africa at the British Council, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to inclusive education.
“Language can be a bridge to inclusion, identity, and opportunity for every learner,” Parry said, calling for cross-sector collaboration to promote equitable learning environments.
Also speaking, Chikodi Onyemerela, Director of Programmes at the British Council Nigeria, said inclusion had remained central to the Council’s education agenda since 2015.
“Through our Pan-Ethnic Classrooms Programme, we have developed inclusive pedagogy initiatives that help teachers embed fairness and representation in classroom practice,” Onyemerela noted.
Critics May Question Cultural Impact
Although the government insists the policy will enhance academic standards, critics are likely to raise concerns over the possible erosion of indigenous languages and cultural identity. Linguistic scholars have long argued that learning in one’s mother tongue supports cognitive development and preserves national heritage.
Nevertheless, Alausa maintained that Nigeria’s education system must prioritize outcomes that align with international standards, stressing that the reform will make Nigerian graduates more globally competitive.
The new directive takes immediate effect across both public and private institutions, with the Federal Ministry of Education expected to issue implementation guidelines in the coming weeks.
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