By Tgnews Reporter, Abuja
The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed English as the sole official language of instruction across all levels of the nation’s education system, marking a significant shift in the country’s language policy. The announcement was made during the 69th National Council on Education (NCE) meeting held in Akure, as part of broader reforms under the Renewed Hope education agenda.
The decision, unveiled at the Language in Education International Conference 2025 organized by the British Council in Abuja, ends the previous mother-tongue policy that allowed the use of indigenous languages as the medium of instruction for the first three years of primary education. Education Minister Maruf Tunji Alausa emphasized that the move aligns with evidence-based education strategies, citing improved performance in national exams such as WAEC, NECO, and JAMB among students taught primarily in English.
“English serves as a unifying tool for Nigeria’s diverse population,” Minister Alausa stated during the conference, which brought together policymakers, educators, and experts from Africa, South Asia, and the UK. The two-day event, themed “Language, Education and Inclusion: Empowering Every Learner,” highlighted the need for inclusive yet globally competitive education systems.
The new policy mandates English as the medium of instruction from primary to tertiary levels, replacing the earlier framework that supported local languages in early education. However, to preserve cultural heritage, the government will require schools to teach at least one Nigerian language alongside English. Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmed, underscored this dual approach, noting, “This policy fosters unity while ensuring our cultural diversity thrives.”
The decision has sparked mixed reactions. Proponents argue that it enhances Nigeria’s global competitiveness and addresses the linguistic diversity challenge posed by over 500 indigenous languages. Critics, however, express concern over the potential erosion of local languages and the readiness of the education system to implement the change effectively, given past challenges with teaching materials and teacher training.
The policy shift is part of the Renewed Hope agenda, which focuses on improving infrastructure, expanding student funding, and aligning education with a knowledge-based economy. The NCE meeting, ongoing through Friday, is expected to release a detailed communiqué outlining further reforms and implementation timelines.
This development follows years of inconsistent language policies, with the previous administration’s 2022 initiative to promote mother-tongue instruction facing logistical hurdles. As Nigeria navigates this transition, stakeholders are calling for robust support systems to ensure the policy’s success and inclusivity for every learner.
