FG Reverses 2022 Language Policy, Reinstates English as Medium of Instruction in Schools

The Federal Government has officially scrapped the 2022 National Language Policy, which mandated the use of indigenous languages or languages of immediate communities as the medium of instruction from early childhood to Primary Six.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced the reversal on Wednesday in Abuja during the opening of the Language in Education International Conference 2025 organized by the British Council. He confirmed that English will now serve as the primary language of instruction in all Nigerian schools, from the primary to tertiary levels.

According to Alausa, evidence-based research conducted by the ministry revealed that the previous policy contributed significantly to poor student performance in national examinations, as many pupils advanced through school without acquiring essential literacy and numeracy skills.

“The National Policy on Language has been cancelled. English is now the language of instruction in our schools, from primary to tertiary levels,” he declared. “Language plays a crucial role in education, and the policy review showed that overuse of mother tongues in instruction has weakened learning outcomes.”

He explained that Nigeria’s vast linguistic diversity made the 2022 policy impractical, noting that its implementation varied widely across regions. “Our review showed that teaching in the mother tongue from Primary One to Primary Six—and even into junior secondary—has led to students graduating without learning effectively. They eventually sit for WAEC, JAMB, and NECO exams in English and fail,” he said.

Alausa also pointed out regional disparities in language use, stressing the need for a unified system. “For instance, in Borno State, while Hausa is widely spoken, many use Kanuri. In Lagos, areas like Ajegunle have mixed populations from across the country, but most teachers are from the southwest. Such diversity calls for a common instructional language,” he explained.

Speaking earlier, the Country Director of the British Council, Nigeria, Donna McGowan, said the conference aims to bring together policymakers, educators, researchers, and partners from Africa, South Asia, and the UK to explore how language can promote inclusion and enhance learning outcomes.

She added that the forum would also focus on improving English proficiency and advancing English language testing solutions across the education system.

The now-reversed 2022 policy had sought to promote indigenous languages and preserve Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, recognising more than 600 local languages—29 of which are already extinct. However, the initiative faced persistent challenges, including inadequate teaching materials, limited teacher training, and the complexities of Nigeria’s multilingual landscape.