FG Ends National Language Policy

The Federal Government’s Decision to Cancel the National Language Policy

The Federal Government of Nigeria has made a significant decision to cancel the National Language Policy, which previously mandated that the language of instruction in early childhood and primary school (up to Year 6) should be the mother tongue or the language of the immediate community. This move marks a shift in the country’s educational approach, with English now set to become the primary medium of instruction from primary through tertiary levels.

Background of the National Language Policy

In 2022, the Nigerian government approved the National Language Policy (NLP), aiming to promote indigenous languages, recognize their equal status, and improve early childhood learning outcomes. The policy was designed to ensure that children were taught in their mother tongue or the language of their immediate community during the foundational stages of education. English, however, remained the official language used in later education and formal settings.

This policy was intended to address the challenges faced by students who struggled with learning in a language they were not familiar with. It was also seen as a step towards preserving and promoting Nigeria’s rich linguistic diversity.

The Minister of Education’s Announcement

At the opening ceremony of the Language in Education International Conference 2025, organized by the British Council in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Dr Olatunji Alausa, announced the cancellation of the policy. He emphasized that English is now the language of instruction in Nigerian schools, from primary to tertiary levels.

Alausa stated that the decision was based on evidence-based research conducted by the ministry, which showed that teaching in the mother tongue had led to poor performance in public examinations. He argued that many students were not adequately prepared for higher classes because they lacked sufficient knowledge in English, which is the language used in national exams such as WAEC, JAMB, and NECO.

Addressing Challenges in Implementation

The minister acknowledged that the implementation of the previous policy had faced several challenges, including linguistic diversity, teacher deployment issues, and inadequate instructional materials. He highlighted the complexity of Nigeria’s diverse linguistic landscape, noting that in some regions, the assumed mother tongue may not be widely spoken.

For example, in Borno State, while Hausa is often assumed to be the dominant language, many residents actually speak Kanuri. Similarly, in Lagos, areas like Ajegunle are predominantly inhabited by people from the southeastern part of the country, but the majority of teachers come from the southwestern region. These disparities have made it difficult to implement a uniform language policy across the country.

Reverting to English as the Medium of Instruction

After testing the mother tongue policy for 15 years, Alausa said the government found that it was not effective in preparing students for national exams. As a result, the decision was made to revert to using English as the medium of instruction, a practice that was common before the implementation of the NLP.

The minister stressed that this change is part of a broader effort to improve the quality of education in Nigeria. He emphasized that the government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive, is committed to addressing the challenges in the education sector and ensuring sustainable development.

Commitment to Inclusive Language Policies

The Minister of State for Education, Prof Suwaiba Ahmad, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to implementing inclusive language-in-education policies. She noted that language plays a crucial role in promoting educational equity, cultural preservation, and sustainable development.

Ahmad emphasized that language is not just a tool for instruction but also a powerful agent for national development. She called for renewed policy harmonization, enhanced teacher training, curriculum reform, and the use of technology to promote language inclusion.

The Role of the British Council

The Language in Education International Conference 2025, held from 12–13 November 2025, focused on “Inclusive Language-in-Education Policy and Practice — Empowering Every Learner in Sub-Saharan Africa.” The event brought together policymakers, educators, researchers, and partners from across Africa, South Asia, and the UK.

Julian Parry, Director of English Programmes for Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighted the importance of ensuring that every learner, regardless of their language background, can access quality education. Donna McGowan, Country Director of the British Council in Nigeria, emphasized the need to improve English-language proficiency and explore testing solutions that support inclusion and improve learning outcomes.