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
-
T-bills: Interest rates increased for first time since January 1; government fails to meet target
13 mins -
Ghana retains 10th position with lowest fuel price in Africa
21 mins -
Will Ghana’s democracy stand the test of time in the 2024 elections?
3 hours -
Hindsight: Dreams fairytale run proved one thing; it is possible
5 hours -
God makes rulers, not you; you can’t choose your successor – Mahama to Akufo-Addo
6 hours -
Contributors own SSNIT, they must decide who becomes its Director-General – Austin Gamey
6 hours -
Move away from theory-based learning towards practical learning approaches – AUCC President to students
7 hours -
Haaland scores as Manchester City beat Nottingham Forest
8 hours -
Villas-Boas elected Porto president
8 hours -
Situation on frontline has worsened, Ukraine army chief says
8 hours -
US doctor describes witnessing starvation in northern Gaza
8 hours -
CAFCC: RS Berkane make final after USM Alger refused to play 2nd leg over Moroccans’ jersey
8 hours -
Elon Musk in China to discuss enabling full self driving
8 hours -
PSG clinch Ligue 1 title after Lyon’s win over Monaco
10 hours -
Guinness Ghana sets the pace at Ghana Beverage Awards with six awards
11 hours