Minister Refutes Banning of Indigenous Language in Schools

Nigeria’s Minister of Education has dismissed reports claiming that the Federal Government has banned the use of indigenous languages in schools, describing such claims as misleading and inaccurate.
The minister clarified that there is no policy banning indigenous languages in Nigeria’s education system. Instead, the existing policy only limits the use of local languages as the sole medium of instruction, particularly beyond the early years of basic education.
According to the clarification, indigenous languages are encouraged at foundational levels, especially in early childhood and lower primary education, where pupils are first introduced to formal learning. However, as students progress, English remains the primary language of instruction to ensure national cohesion, academic standardisation, and global competitiveness.
The ministry explained that the policy aligns with long-standing educational guidelines aimed at balancing cultural preservation with the practical need for a common instructional language across Nigeria’s diverse linguistic landscape.
The minister also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting indigenous languages through curriculum inclusion, cultural studies, and language preservation programmes, stressing that local languages remain an important part of Nigeria’s heritage.
The clarification comes amid public debate and concern on social media, with the education ministry urging Nigerians to rely on official policy documents rather than unverified reports.