The Nigerian government has suspended the use of indigenous languages as a medium of teaching in schools, declaring English the official language of instruction across all education levels.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during the Language in Education International Conference 2025, organized by the British Council in Abuja.
The two-day event, themed “Language, Education and Inclusion: Empowering Every Learner,” brought together policymakers, educators, and researchers from across Africa, South Asia, and the United Kingdom. Discussions focused on strategies for improving education quality and inclusion through language.
Alausa stated that while indigenous languages are vital to cultural identity, the decision aims to enhance students’ comprehension, learning outcomes, and global competitiveness.
“The English language should now be used to teach our students at all levels,” Alausa said. “Over the years, the use of mother tongues has contributed to poor exam performance. The national policy on language has been cancelled. English now stands as the medium of instruction across all levels of education.”
He noted that English remains Nigeria’s most unifying language, bridging communication gaps in a country with over 500 ethnic groups. According to the minister, the policy will provide students with greater access to global knowledge, modern technology, and international opportunities.
Alausa explained that research data from national examinations like WAEC, NECO, and JAMB revealed that excessive dependence on mother-tongue instruction had negatively affected students’ academic performance.
He described the new directive as part of an “evidence-based reform” aimed at addressing learning inefficiencies, saying the education sector must evolve beyond emotional attachment to linguistic identity.
The British Council, co-host of the event, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting inclusive and equitable education across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Julian Parry, Director of English Programmes for Sub-Saharan Africa, emphasized that language could serve as a “bridge to inclusion, identity, and opportunity for every learner.” He stressed collaboration and knowledge-sharing as keys to advancing education quality globally.
Chikodi Onyemerela, Director of Programmes at British Council Nigeria, also highlighted inclusion as a core value in the organization’s work.
“We are privileged to partner with Nigeria. Since 2015, our Pan-Ethnic Classrooms Programme has promoted inclusive teaching methods that empower educators to integrate diverse learners,” Onyemerela said.
The decision has already sparked debate among education stakeholders, with some applauding the move for its focus on global relevance, while others warn it could further erode Nigeria’s linguistic heritage.