The NLP, introduced in 2022, mandated the use of learners’ mother tongues or the languages of their immediate communities as the language of instruction from early childhood education up to Primary Six. The policy sought to promote indigenous languages, enhance cultural identity, and improve early learning outcomes. However, English was to remain the official language for higher education and formal communication.
Dr. Alausa explained that the government’s decision to suspend the policy followed years of evaluation showing that the mother-tongue approach had not achieved its intended goals.
“The National Council on Education has resolved to suspend the NERDC language policy and reaffirm English as the medium of instruction from primary to tertiary education across Nigeria,” the minister stated.
He noted that evidence gathered over the past 15 years revealed that the mother-tongue model was impractical in a linguistically diverse country with over 500 indigenous languages. Challenges such as limited teaching materials, inadequate teacher preparation, and difficulty transitioning to English-based assessments had contributed to poor academic outcomes.
“We have observed high failure rates in WAEC, NECO, and JAMB examinations in regions where the mother-tongue policy was applied extensively,” Alausa added, citing disparities in language use even within individual states.
According to him, the government’s new approach aims to strengthen learning outcomes, promote equity across regions, and align Nigeria’s education system with global standards. Nonetheless, he emphasised that Nigerian languages would continue to be taught as subjects under a new Inclusive Language Policy designed to preserve cultural diversity.
“We remain committed to promoting linguistic heritage while ensuring every learner can thrive in a globalised world,” he said.
Donna McGowan, the British Council’s Country Director for Business and Trade Division, reaffirmed the Council’s support for Nigeria’s education reforms, stating that the organisation would continue to provide expertise to strengthen policy implementation.
Education analyst Dr. Harmony Mark-Ewa described the government’s decision as a step toward global competitiveness but cautioned that it could weaken cultural preservation.
“While adopting English may give Nigerian students a global advantage, schools remain vital spaces for preserving our languages and values,” she told BBC News Pidgin.
She further noted that language learning should be culturally responsive, suggesting that indigenous languages remain compulsory as subjects to ensure continuity between home and school learning environments.
The suspension of the NLP marks a significant policy shift in Nigeria’s education system, balancing the demands of global integration with the need to safeguard local linguistic heritage.