LunagisthubThe Nigerian Academy of Education’s Stand on Mother Tongue Policy: A Call to Action
The Nigerian Academy of Education (NAE) has expressed strong opposition to the Federal Government’s decision to scrap the National Language Policy, which aimed to promote the use of mother tongue as the language of instruction at foundational levels of schooling. The Academy argues that this decision is a “grave disservice” to Nigeria’s educational progress and would have far-reaching consequences for the country’s development .Research has shown that pupils taught in their native languages perform better academically, even in English, than those introduced to foreign-language instruction prematurely. The NAE cites historic programs such as the Ife Six-Year Project and recent bilingual education studies to support this claim. Moreover, the Academy argues that mother tongue instruction improves learning outcomes, strengthens cultural identity, and promotes inclusive national development
In a separate statement, the NAE decried the resurgence of school attacks by terrorists, warning that Nigeria’s education system is “under siege” and edging toward collapse. The Academy reported that at least 92 school invasions, 2,500 abducted learners, over 180 children killed, 90 injured, and more than 90 still missing have been recorded since the 2014 Chibok abduction. The NAE demanded full protection for learners and school personnel, stringent punishment for perpetrators, and compensation for bereaved families
The NAE has urged the government to reconsider its decision and restore mother tongue instruction at foundational levels of schooling. The Academy also called for strengthened implementation, including teacher training, improved learning materials, stakeholder engagement, and regular evidence-based reviews. Furthermore, the NAE emphasized the need for decisive intervention to address the security concerns in schools and ensure a functional and culturally grounded education system for future generations.
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