Nigeria Cancels Mother-Tongue Teaching in Primary Schools and Reverts to English
The Nigerian government has announced the cancellation of a controversial policy that mandated teaching in indigenous languages for primary education. The reversal comes just three years after its introduction, which aimed to enhance learning by using children’s mother tongues.
Reasons Behind the Policy Reversal
– Poor Performance Data: Education Minister Tunji Alausa highlighted that academic outcomes in areas adopting mother-tongue instruction were unsatisfactory. Reports from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), the National Examinations Council (NECO), and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) reflected a mass failure rate tied to this policy.
– Reinstatement of English: Effective immediately, English will become the primary language of instruction from pre-primary levels up to university, echoing the belief that English proficiency is essential for academic success.
Historical Context
– Initial Support: The program was initially championed by former Education Minister Adamu Adamu, who maintained that students learn more effectively in their native languages. His position was supported by various UN studies on early childhood education.
– Current Education Challenges: Nigeria faces significant issues within its education sector, including inadequate resources, underpaid teachers, and a staggering number of children—approximately 10 million—out of school, placing it at the top globally for educational exclusion.
Mixed Reactions from Experts and Parents
– Support for Reversal: Some education specialists, like Dr. Aliyu Tilde, praised the government’s decision. He emphasized that Nigeria lacks the trained teachers necessary for indigenous language instruction and highlighted the need for a better-qualified teaching workforce.
– Concerns about Premature Abandonment: Others, including social analyst Habu Dauda, criticized the swift rollback, calling for more time and investment in teacher training and educational materials before making such a significant change.
– Parental Perspectives: Hajara Musa, a parent of two early education students, noted that early exposure to English would better equip children for a globalized world. She believes that beginning English instruction early is beneficial.
Conclusion
The cancellation of mother-tongue teaching in Nigeria’s primary schools reignites the debate over balancing linguistic heritage with the necessity of English proficiency in a globalized economy. As the country navigates these challenges, the focus will remain on improving educational outcomes and ensuring that all children have access to quality instruction.