The Nigerian government has officially ended the use of indigenous languages as the primary medium of instruction in schools, directing educators nationwide to adopt English as the standard language for teaching.
Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa announced the policy shift on Wednesday at the Language in Education International Conference 2025 in Abuja, an event organised by the British Council. The two-day conference, themed “Language, Education and Inclusion: Empowering Every Learner,” gathered policymakers, researchers, educators, and development partners from Africa, South Asia, and the UK to explore strategies for improving education through language.
Alausa stressed that while preserving local languages remains culturally significant, English will now be the main medium from pre-primary through tertiary levels to boost comprehension, learning outcomes, and global competitiveness. He said reliance on mother tongue instruction in some regions had contributed to poor performance in national exams such as WAEC, NECO, and JAMB.
“The English language should be the primary medium for teaching students at all levels. Data shows that overreliance on local languages has hindered learning outcomes,” Alausa explained, adding that the national policy on indigenous language instruction has been repealed.
Highlighting the unifying role of English in Nigeria’s multilingual society, the minister said the move will provide students broader access to technology, knowledge, and international opportunities. He framed the decision as an evidence-based approach to education policy, moving beyond emotional attachments to language identity.
The British Council, a key partner in the conference, reaffirmed its commitment to promoting inclusive and equitable education across Sub-Saharan Africa. Julian Parry, Director of English Programmes for the region, said language can act as “a bridge to inclusion, identity, and opportunity for every learner,” while Chikodi Onyemerela, Director of Programmes at British Council Nigeria, highlighted the Council’s efforts to embed inclusive practices in classrooms through initiatives like the Pan-Ethnic Classrooms Programme.
