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.

(DDM) – The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has officially released call-up numbers for prospective corps members of the 2025 Batch C.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the announcement was made via the scheme’s official X handle on Tuesday, confirming that call-up numbers were issued based on the order of registration.

NYSC management explained that camp capacity limitations across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory have restricted the number of participants that can be accommodated in the upcoming orientation programme.

The scheme disclosed that only about 40 percent of registered prospective corps members will be mobilised for Batch C, reflecting efforts to maintain manageable camp populations and ensure adequate logistics, welfare, and safety.

Participants who are not accommodated in Batch C will be automatically deferred to the next mobilisation exercise, ensuring that no eligible candidate loses the opportunity to serve.

The NYSC urged all prospective corps members to check their dashboards regularly for updates on call-up numbers, orientation schedules, and instructions on required documentation.

The management stressed that compliance with all instructions is crucial for successful registration, camp resumption, and participation in orientation activities.

Through its official social media channels, NYSC stated: “The NYSC management is pleased to announce that call-up numbers for 2025 Batch C Prospective Corps Members have been released, based on registration order.”

It further noted: “Those not accommodated in this batch will be automatically moved to the next batch, which will take place soon after the Batch C exercise.”

DDM gathered that the mobilisation process includes verification of personal details, biometric registration, medical screening, and briefing on camp rules and procedures for all participants.

NYSC management also emphasised its commitment to continuous improvement in logistics, welfare, and safety, including provision of adequate accommodation, meals, security, and medical support in all orientation camps nationwide.

Corps members are advised to prepare early for camp resumption by completing all required online forms, uploading identification documents, and ensuring they meet all eligibility requirements.

The management highlighted that the 2025 Batch C mobilisation is part of the corps’ ongoing effort to integrate Nigerian youths into national development projects while promoting unity, discipline, and community service.

Observers note that the careful staggered mobilisation aims to prevent overcrowding in camps and ensure a smooth, well-organised orientation experience for all participants.

NYSC encourages prospective corps members to monitor official communication channels and avoid unverified sources to prevent misinformation and registration errors.

This mobilisation underscores the scheme’s dual focus on efficient administration and enhancing the overall experience of corps members during their service year.

(DDM) – Stars Maritime Academy has officially announced its Post UTME screening for the 2025/2026 academic session.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the exercise is scheduled for Saturday, 13 December 2025, and will accommodate prospective students seeking admission into one of Nigeria’s prominent maritime training institutions.

Applicants are advised to select Stars Maritime Academy as their first-choice institution on the JAMB portal before participating in the Post UTME.

The screening will be conducted in two formats: physically at the main campus and online, allowing candidates from various locations to participate conveniently.

The physical venue is Ruben Hall, Main Campus, Navy School B/S, along Itele–Ota Road, Lafenwa, Sango Ota, Lagos, Nigeria.

Two batches are scheduled: Batch 1 at 9:00 a.m. and Batch 2 at 12:00 noon, to ensure smooth administration and proper adherence to examination protocols.

DDM gathered that candidates residing far from Lagos can opt for the online test, avoiding the challenges of long-distance travel.

To participate, applicants must first update their JAMB profile to reflect Stars Maritime Academy as their first-choice institution.

Candidates can then purchase the Post UTME form through the official portal and prepare for the screening exercise.

For further inquiries, applicants can contact the academy via phone numbers 08062948785 or 09038562019, or visit the official website at www.starsmaritime.edu.ng.

Students at Stars Maritime Academy benefit from a curriculum that blends classroom learning with practical maritime training, ensuring graduates are competent in safety practices, navigation, and professional maritime operations.

The academy’s structured approach aims to equip students with the skills needed for real-world challenges in the maritime sector.

DDM emphasizes that the upcoming Post UTME is a critical step for aspiring maritime professionals and encourages candidates to act promptly to secure their participation.

The screening presents a unique opportunity to gain admission into a focused learning environment with both physical and online options for the 2025/2026 academic session…