Federal Govt. Approves Teaching Of Mother Tongue In Primary Schools

The Federal Government has finally approved the teaching of mother tongue (local languages) in all primary schools across Nigeria.

Speaking to news men today, November 30 shortly after the end of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Presidential villa, Abuja, the education minister, Adamu Adamu said that this was part of the a National Language Policy that was approved at the meeting, to be used in all primary schools in the country.

“A memo on national policy was approved by the council. So, Nigeria now has a National Language Policy and the details will be given later by the ministry.

“One of the highlights is that the government has agreed now that henceforth, instruction in primary schools; the first six years of learning will be in the mother tongue.”

He said that the decision is only in principle for now, adding that it would require a lot of work to implement it.

“Theoretically, this policy starts from today but the use of mother tongue is exclusive but we need time to develop the material, get the teachers and so on.

”Since the first six years of school should be in the mother tongue. Whereby the pupil is, the language of the host community is what will be used.

“Because we have 625 languages at the last count and the objective of this policy is to promote, and enhance the cultivation and use of all Nigerian languages,” he added.

Adamu Adamu said that the council also approved a consultancy services agreement between the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and a private company, for the upgrade of the portal on which the Board records candidates seeking admission into higher institutions of learning.