Nigeria Reverts to English in Primary Schools

The Nigerian government has announced a significant reversal in its educational policy, abandoning a controversial initiative that mandated the use of indigenous languages for instruction in early years of schooling. Implemented just three years ago, the policy has now been abruptly terminated, with English reinstated as the primary medium of instruction from pre-primary levels through to tertiary education.

Education Minister Tunji Alausa justified the decision by citing empirical evidence of poor academic performance in regions that had enthusiastically adopted mother-tongue teaching. The minister referenced data from prominent examination bodies, including the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (Jamb), which indicated alarmingly high failure rates in these areas.

The policy's cancellation has elicited mixed reactions from education specialists, analysts, and parents. Proponents of the reversal argue that Nigeria lacks the necessary infrastructure and qualified personnel to effectively implement mother-tongue instruction across its linguistically diverse landscape. Conversely, critics contend that the policy was prematurely abandoned, asserting that such a fundamental shift in educational approach requires substantial investment in teacher training, curriculum development, and a more extended evaluation period to yield tangible results.

This policy U-turn underscores the ongoing challenge Nigeria faces in reconciling the preservation of its rich linguistic heritage with the pragmatic demands of a national curriculum and an increasingly globalized economy where English proficiency is paramount.