The Nigerian government has announced a policy aimed at promoting the teaching of primary school pupils in local languages rather than in English.
Education Minister Adamu Adamu told journalists on Wednesday that the new framework known as the National Language Policy had been approved for implementation.
It stipulates that instruction for the first six years in primary schools will be in the mother tongue.
English is Nigeria's official language and all learning institutions use it as the common language of teaching and learning.
But local languages will now take the centre stage, with the education minister saying “pupils learn much better” when they are taught in their own mother tongue.
He acknowledged that implementing the new policy would be challenging because it would “require a lot of work to develop materials to teach and get the teachers”.
Another challenge is the number of languages spoken in Nigeria - more than 600.
It’s not immediately clear when the government will start implementing the new system.
The Nigerian authorities suggest they will first provide teaching materials and teachers for the local languages before the implementation in earnest.
Latest Stories
-
New photo marks Princess Charlotte ninth birthday
6 mins -
Dafeamekpor files appeal against dismissal of request to compel Akufo-Addo to accept anti-LGBTQ bill
11 mins -
They accepted my lunch offer – Kwadaso MP on money given to EC officials
12 mins -
KAIPTC launches 5-year strategic plan
30 mins -
Akwaboah Jnr stuns fans with wedding announcement
35 mins -
Chiefs not mandated to rise to greet visitors – Atuguba questions Chieftaincy Ministry justification
38 mins -
‘I did not bribe anybody, my action was misconstrued’ – MP involved in Ejisu ‘envelope’ incident
54 mins -
Respect is earned, not commanded – Raymond Atuguba tells public officials
1 hour -
TikTok and Universal settle music royalties dispute
1 hour -
Failure to properly transfer gun ownership can land you behind bars
2 hours -
Reduce over-reliance on imports to stabilise cedi – TUC boss tells Ghanaians
2 hours -
‘We’re taking it game by game’ – Ibrahim Tanko on Accra Lions’ title ambitions
2 hours -
Nigerians pick sides as Wizkid and Davido clash online
2 hours -
Nigeria Workers’ Day: Civil servants get pay rises up to 35%
2 hours -
“I am the Austrian team boss with all my heart,” Rangnick turns down Bayern
2 hours