The Nigerian education sector is facing a major controversy following the Federal Government's announcement to abolish the mother-tongue teaching policy. The decision, declared by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has been met with severe criticism from educators, cultural advocates, and citizens who see it as a step backwards.
Dr. Alausa made the contentious statement at a conference organized by the British Council, claiming that "Using the mother tongue language in Nigeria for the past 15 years has literally destroyed education in certain regions." He insisted that policy must be based on "evidence, not emotions," directly blaming indigenous languages for the system's failures.
A Painful Echo of Colonial Subjugation
The minister's remarks are seen by many as a revival of a colonial mindset. The irony of delivering this message at a British Council event was not lost on observers. This is the same institution that, during colonial rule, systematically suppressed Nigerian autonomy and devalued indigenous languages, teaching generations that their native tongues held no intellectual worth.
This development follows another recent national decision that raised eyebrows: the National Assembly passed a law, signed by the President, to discard the national anthem composed by a Nigerian and replace it with the old colonial anthem authored in Britain. For critics, these actions collectively signal a disturbing "Nigeria Last" policy posture, where the nation prioritizes its colonial past over its own future.
The Overwhelming Evidence for Mother-Tongue Education
Contrary to the minister's claims, global educational research overwhelmingly supports mother-tongue instruction. Studies consistently prove that children learn most effectively when taught in a familiar language, especially in their early years.
Key benefits of mother-tongue education include:
- Improved comprehension and faster grasp of complex concepts.
- Enhanced cognitive development and communication skills.
- Stronger foundation for learning additional languages, including English, later on.
- Strengthened cultural identity and sense of belonging, which boosts academic motivation.
Languages like Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Efik, Edo, Ibibio, and Tiv are fully capable of supporting rigorous intellectual development. The success of such a policy hinges on proper investment in qualified teachers and learning materials, not on the inherent quality of the languages themselves.
Economic and Technological Opportunities Lost
Scrapping this policy also means discarding significant economic potential. Investing in Nigerian languages can create entire new industries and thousands of jobs in fields such as:
- Translation and interpretation
- Curriculum development and publishing
- Language technology and AI modelling
- Cultural content creation
Furthermore, the argument that Nigerian languages hinder technological innovation is false. Coding and programming are already being conducted in various languages worldwide, with user interfaces and software being adapted for indigenous speakers. Proficiency in a native language is a pathway to, not a barrier against, innovation.
The article concludes with a powerful call to action, demanding an immediate reversal of the policy and an apology from the minister to the Nigerian people. It reminds readers of the sophisticated intellectual traditions, like the Ifa knowledge system, that flourished in Nigeria long before European contact, asserting that believing in ourselves is the first step toward genuine progress.
