An eminent education specialist has issued a strong appeal to Nigeria's Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, demanding the immediate reversal of the suspended 2022 National Language Policy.
Global Evidence Supports Indigenous Language Instruction
Professor Aderemi Obilana, Founder and CEO of Prakis Educational Services, challenged the minister's rationale for halting the policy implementation. The education expert, who also serves as a visiting professor at the University Institute of Applied and Human Sciences in the Republic of Chad and an independent contractor at the University of South Africa, described the policy suspension as premature, unfounded, and harmful to Nigeria's educational and cultural advancement.
In a personal statement released on Sunday, Professor Obilana refuted the minister's claim that poor student performance in WAEC, NECO, and JAMB examinations justified canceling the language policy. "The data presented by the minister is highly incorrect," Obilana stated, emphasizing that no empirical evidence links indigenous language instruction to declining exam results.
UNESCO Research Contradicts Minister's Position
Contrary to the minister's position, Professor Obilana pointed to substantial global research demonstrating that children taught in their mother tongue during foundational education develop stronger reading comprehension and cognitive abilities. He referenced UNESCO's position during the 25th anniversary of International Mother Language Day, which reaffirmed that instruction in indigenous languages significantly enhances learning outcomes.
"Numerous educational studies have proven that pupils who begin learning in their indigenous language perform better in literacy and numeracy than peers taught solely in foreign languages," Obilana explained. He urged Nigeria to emulate successful models in China, Singapore, South Africa, and Finland, where indigenous languages are effectively integrated into education systems.
Cultural Preservation at Stake
Beyond educational benefits, Professor Obilana warned that abolishing the policy risks accelerating the erosion of Nigeria's cultural identity. He cited UNESCO research showing that children learning in their mother tongue develop higher self-esteem and stronger cultural pride.
"Preserving and promoting our indigenous languages is essential. Otherwise, we risk losing our heritage," he stated. The education expert stressed the need for Africans to decolonise their mindsets, arguing that the growing global acceptance of English shouldn't justify sidelining African languages.
Professor Obilana appealed to the education ministry to provide necessary resources for full policy implementation, including continuous professional development for teachers and adoption of student-centred learning approaches. He noted that countries prioritizing indigenous languages excel in fields like science, technology, and finance, demonstrating that mother tongue education doesn't hinder academic excellence.
