The Federal Government has abolished the 2022 National Language Policy, which required schools to teach in local languages up to Primary Six.
Education Minister, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced in Abuja that English will now serve as the official language of instruction from primary to tertiary levels.
He said research showed that the use of mother tongues had “destroyed” the system, as many pupils advanced without mastering basic skills.
Alausa cited Nigeria’s linguistic diversity and poor exam results as reasons for the reversal, noting that national exams like WAEC and JAMB are conducted in English.
British Council Country Director, Donna McGowan, said the move would promote English proficiency and inclusive learning across Africa, South Asia, and the UK.
The scrapped 2022 policy faced hurdles such as inadequate materials, teacher shortages, and Nigeria’s wide linguistic diversity.
