FG Reaffirms English as Medium of Instruction, Suspends Mother-Tongue Policy
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The Federal Government has officially suspended the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council’s (NERDC) mother-tongue-based language policy, reaffirming English as the primary medium of instruction from primary to tertiary levels nationwide.
Minister of Education, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu Alausa, announced the decision at the 2025 Language in Education International Conference hosted by the British Council. The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said, also joined him at the event themed “Language, Education and Inclusion: Empowering Every Learner.”
Dr. Alausa explained that the National Council on Education (NCE) approved the suspension after reviewing more than 15 years of data, which showed that the mother-tongue model had failed to improve learning outcomes.
According to him, the policy had become “impractical and inequitable in a country with over 500 indigenous languages,” noting the scarcity of learning materials, inadequate teacher preparation, and poor transitions to English — all of which have weakened pupils’ performance.
“By maintaining English as the primary medium of instruction, we aim to strengthen learning outcomes, ensure continuity and fairness across all states, and align Nigeria’s education system with global best practices,” Dr. Alausa said.
The minister also unveiled the Federal Government’s new Inclusive Language Policy, which will ensure that at least one Nigerian language continues to be taught alongside English in schools, preserving cultural and linguistic diversity.
He quoted Donna McGowan, Country Director, Business and Trade Division, British Council UK, who stated, “Language should be a bridge to learning and not a barrier to our systems.” Dr. Alausa said this captures the government’s broader vision of creating an education system where language empowers every learner.
He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to reforms that support quality and inclusive education under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Ultimately, we must do what is right not just for this generation of learners, but for generations to come — building a stronger, fairer, and more inclusive education system for Nigeria’s future,” he said.
