- FG reverses 2022 mother tongue policy, reinstates English as official teaching language.
- Minister says policy led to poor exam performance and weak literacy levels.
- Research shows pupils advance without essential reading and writing skills.
- Experts call for unified language approach to address Nigeria’s linguistic diversity.
The Federal Government has officially scrapped the 2022 National Language Policy, declaring English as the sole language of instruction in Nigerian schools. The move, according to the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, follows evidence-based findings that the mother tongue policy contributed to poor academic performance and a decline in literacy standards across the country.
Announcing the decision on Wednesday in Abuja during the Language in Education International Conference 2025, organised by the British Council, Dr Tunji Alausa said English will now be used as the medium of instruction from primary to tertiary education levels in Nigeria.
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The minister explained that the reversal came after extensive research by the Ministry of Education showed that teaching in local languages from early childhood to Primary Six had “destroyed” the education system. He noted that many pupils advanced through classes without acquiring the basic reading, writing, and comprehension skills needed for further learning.
“The National Policy on Language has been cancelled,” Alausa said. “English is now the language of instruction in our schools, from primary to tertiary levels. One of the most critical tools in education is language, and we cannot compromise its role in learning outcomes.”
He highlighted that the previous policy created confusion in classrooms due to Nigeria’s complex linguistic landscape. “In states like Borno, you have both Hausa and Kanuri speakers, while in Lagos, you find a mix of southeastern and southwestern populations. A single, uniform language of instruction will help standardise learning,” he said.
Alausa further revealed that the review conducted by his ministry found that children who were taught exclusively in their mother tongue struggled when faced with national examinations written in English, including WAEC, JAMB, and NECO. “We’ve seen a situation where students reach SS3 without understanding English well enough to pass basic exams,” he added.
Earlier, Donna McGowan, the British Council’s Country Director in Nigeria, said the conference was designed to strengthen English language proficiency and explore how language policies can promote inclusivity and better learning outcomes.
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McGowan noted that the event brought together education policymakers, researchers, and partners from Africa, South Asia, and the UK to discuss practical ways to improve teaching through effective language use.
The 2022 National Language Policy had aimed to promote indigenous languages and cultural identity, recognising Nigeria’s more than 600 local languages. However, its implementation was plagued by challenges such as lack of teaching materials, inadequate teacher training, and the country’s vast linguistic diversity.
