A new National Language Policy that mandates the use of the various mother tongues as the principal medium of teaching from grades one through six has been adopted by the Federal Executive Council.
Adamu Adamu, the minister of education, informed reporters at State House that the policy is effective immediately.
The government, he said, is conscious that its implementation will be challenging, but it is essential to encourage the development and use of all Nigerian languages.
He disclosed that as of right now, there are 625 languages in the nation, leaving 29 languages extinct.
He explained that the mother tongue would be the only medium of instruction for the first six years of school, and then English would be added beginning in junior high.
Despite the fact that the policy is now in force, according to Adamu, it can only be fully implemented after the government creates instructional materials and there are competent teachers available.
He went on to say that each school’s mother tongue would be the language that was most often spoken in the neighborhood where it was located.
On Wednesday, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) met under the presidency of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Physically present were several cabinet ministers, as well as vice president Yemi Osinbajo.
The ministers include those of Transportation, Muazu Sambo; Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed; Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, George Akume; Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami; Education, Adamu Adamu; Power, Abubakar Aliyu; state for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva.
Others are Ministers of Niger Delta affairs, Umana Umana; as well as Trade and Investment, Adeniyi Adebayo.
