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
-
Gold Fields Ghana Foundation challenges graduates to maximize benefits of community apprenticeship programme
36 mins -
GBC accuses Deputy Information Minister Sylvester Tetteh of demolishing its bungalow illegally
47 mins -
Boost for education as government commissions 80 projects
58 mins -
NAPO commissions library to honour Atta-Mills’ memory
1 hour -
OmniBSIC Bank champions health and wellness with thriving community walk
1 hour -
Kora Wearables unveils Neo: The Ultimate Smartwatch for Ghana’s tech-savvy and health-conscious users
1 hour -
NDC supports Dampare’s ‘no guns at polling stations’ directive
1 hour -
Police officer interdicted after video of assault goes viral
2 hours -
KNUST’s Prof. Reginald Annan named first African recipient of World Cancer Research Fund
2 hours -
George Twum-Barimah-Adu pledges inclusive cabinet with Minority and Majority leaders
2 hours -
Labourer jailed 5 years for inflicting cutlass wounds on businessman
2 hours -
Parliament urged to fast-track passage of Road Traffic Amendment Bill
2 hours -
Mr Daniel Kofi Asante aka Electrician
2 hours -
Minerals Commission, Solidaridad unveils forum to tackle child labour in mining sector
3 hours -
Election 2024: Engagement with security services productive – NDC
3 hours