The Bauchi Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BACCIMA) has criticised the Minister of Education’s new language policy. The chamber said adopting English as the sole medium of instruction undermines Nigeria’s cultural heritage. President Aminu Danmaliki called the decision a “disservice” during a press briefing in Bauchi. He argued that children learn best in their mother tongue, citing historical and scientific evidence.
Danmaliki noted that abandoning indigenous languages in early education reduces learning efficiency and comprehension. He stressed that government agencies have failed to provide adequate instructional materials and manage the National Language Policy effectively. According to him, allocated funds for producing textbooks and promoting local languages have been mismanaged. He questioned why the Nigerian Language Institute and broadcast media fail to strengthen indigenous language use in schools.
Dr Bala Mahmud, a BACCIMA member, added that overdependence on English alienates Nigerians from their cultural roots. He urged that local languages dominate basic education from Primary 1 to Junior Secondary 3. English should be introduced gradually in senior secondary schools to complement, not replace, mother tongues. Mahmud emphasised that mastering indigenous languages fosters innovation, scientific thinking, and economic growth.
BACCIMA warned that the National Assembly may introduce legislation to reverse the policy if the ministry ignores these concerns. The chamber argued that prioritising Nigerian languages preserves identity, improves learning outcomes, and strengthens national unity. Both leaders insisted that teaching children in their mother tongue enhances comprehension and creativity. They concluded that restoring indigenous languages in schools is vital for cultural continuity and educational development in Nigeria.
