Nigerian government suspends teaching of indigenous languages ​​in schools, allowing only English to be used

this The Nigerian government has suspended the use of indigenous languages ​​as medium of instruction in Nigerian schools, instructing teachers across the country to prioritize English as the medium of instruction. this Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa announced the ban During the 2025 International Conference on Language Education organized by the British Council in Abuja on Wednesday.

The two-day event, themed “Language, Education and Inclusion: Empowering Every Learner,” brings together policymakers, educators, researchers and development partners from Africa, South Asia and the UK to discuss strategies to promote equity and quality education through language.

Alausa explained that while the preservation of indigenous languages ​​remains important for cultural identity, English will now be used as the primary language of instruction from pre-K to higher education to enhance understanding, learning outcomes and global competitiveness.

“English should be used as a medium of instruction to teach students at all levels,” the minister said.

“For many years, teaching in the mother tongue was largely responsible for the failure of the exams.

“The national language policy has been cancelled. English is now the language of instruction at all levels of education,” he added.

Alausa noted that English is a unifying tool in Nigeria’s diverse linguistic environment, providing students with broader access to global knowledge, technology and international opportunities.

He added that the decision was based on data showing that over-reliance on mother-tongue teaching in some districts had a negative impact on student performance in national examinations such as WAEC, NECO and JAMB.

The minister said the new policy reflected a shift towards evidence-based governance, moving beyond what he said was the education sector’s emotional attachment to language identity.

Relatedly, the British Council reiterates its commitment to advancing inclusive and equitable education through language-responsive teaching in sub-Saharan Africa.

Julian Parry, director of the English Program in Sub-Saharan Africa, said languages ​​can be “a bridge to inclusion, recognition and opportunity for every learner” and stressed the need for collaboration and knowledge sharing to improve educational outcomes globally.

Also speaking, Chikodi Onyemerela, Director of Programs at the British Council Nigeria, emphasized that inclusivity is a core principle of the Council’s education partnerships.

“We are honored to host events in Nigeria. Since 2015, through our Pan-Ethnic Classroom program, we have developed inclusive teaching programs that empower teachers to integrate inclusive practices into their classrooms,” Onyemerela said.