Nigeria Abandons Indigenous Language Education Policy
The Nigerian government has officially terminated the National Language Policy that mandated teaching children in their mother tongue or indigenous languages during early schooling. The policy, originally approved in 2022, required that pupils from early childhood education through Primary Six be instructed using local languages.
Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa announced the policy reversal, stating that evidence showed it had failed to deliver expected results. "We have seen a mass failure rate in WAEC, NECO, and JAMB in certain geo-political zones of the country, and those are the ones that adopted the mother tongue in an over-subscribed manner," Alausa explained.
Evidence-Based Decision Making
The minister emphasized that the decision was driven by data rather than emotions. "This is about evidence-based governance," he declared during the announcement. Dr. Alausa revealed that pupils taught primarily in indigenous languages demonstrated significant struggles with basic English comprehension, contributing to higher failure rates in national examinations.
The policy cancellation received formal approval during the 69th National Council on Education meeting held in Akure from November 3rd to 7th. The minister asserted that using mother tongue as medium of instruction over the past 15 years had "literally destroyed education in certain regions" of Nigeria.
Return to English-Only Instruction
With the policy reversal, English now stands as the official medium of instruction across all educational levels—from pre-primary through tertiary education. The minister acknowledged potential criticisms but challenged stakeholders to present verifiable data supporting indigenous language instruction.
"We have to talk about evidence, not emotions," Alausa stated, while assuring that the government remains open to evidence-based approaches to strengthen the education sector.
The decision marks a significant departure from the vision of late education pioneer Professor Babs Fafunwa, who championed indigenous language education for decades. Professor Fafunwa, who passed away 15 years ago, had witnessed the policy's implementation during his lifetime.
Global Perspective on Indigenous Language Education
The policy reversal contrasts with international practices and UNESCO recommendations. According to UNESCO's 2016 findings, instruction in students' native languages improves understanding, analytical skills, and overall academic achievement. The global body notes that when indigenous languages disappear, accumulated community knowledge and cultural diversity face extinction.
Studies indicate that of the world's 7,000 recognized languages—6,000 being indigenous—approximately half are currently endangered, with 1,500 at particular risk. The Australian National University corroborated these concerns in a December 2021 study.
The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), adopted in 2007, supports communities' rights to practice and transmit their languages and traditions. Many countries, including the Philippines, Kenya, and Tanzania, successfully use indigenous languages as primary instruction mediums.
As Nigerian authorities implement new measures to address learning challenges, including teacher training packages focusing on literacy and numeracy, educators and cultural advocates hope the essence of indigenous language education won't be permanently lost in the pursuit of improved examination results.
