The Federal Government has scrapped the use of mother tongue as the medium of instruction in Nigerian primary schools, reinstating English as the sole language of instruction.
At the 2025 Language in Education International Conference held in Abuja, Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa announced the reversal of the 2022 National Language Policy, which had mandated the use of indigenous languages from early childhood education to Primary Six. The new directive now makes English the official language of instruction across all levels, from pre-primary to tertiary education News Digest Nigeria The Punch TheCable.
Key reasons for the policy reversal
Poor academic performance: Alausa cited data showing that children taught in mother tongues were underperforming in public examinations.
Lack of essential skills: Many pupils reportedly advanced through classes without mastering basic literacy and numeracy.
Implementation challenges: The policy faced logistical hurdles, including teacher training, curriculum development, and standardization across Nigeria’s 500+ languages.
The decision was ratified at the 69th National Council on Education (NCE) meeting held in Akure, Ondo State, earlier in November Vanguard News.
Reactions and implications
Educators and linguists have expressed concern over the loss of cultural identity and early cognitive benefits linked to mother tongue instruction.
Policy advocates argue that the reversal may widen learning gaps for children in rural areas with limited English exposure.
The government maintains that the shift is evidence-based and aims to improve learning outcomes nationwide.
