FG Abolishes Mother-Tongue Policy, Declares English Sole Language of Instruction

By Diafa Doubra, Warri

The Federal Government has scrapped the policy of teaching in students’ mother tongues, declaring English as the only medium of instruction in schools from pre-primary to tertiary levels.

The decision follows a review of student performance, which showed high failure rates in national examinations in regions that adopted mother-tongue teaching.

Education Minister Tunji Alausa stated that the policy reversal is based on evidence and aims to improve learning outcomes.

The government also announced new teacher-training programs focused on literacy and numeracy to support the shift. Officials and partners, including the British Council, pledged to assist in ensuring a smooth implementation of the new policy.