By Chukwudi Obasi, Abuja
The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Ministry of Education to commence a pilot programme in selected schools across the country to assess the feasibility and benefits of utilising local languages as a medium of instruction and teaching.
This resolution followed the adoption of a motion on notice sponsored by Kalejaiye Adeboye Paul on the need to promote local languages as a medium of instruction in primary and junior secondary schools in Nigeria.
The lawmaker said Nigeria boasts an extraordinary linguistic diversity, reflecting the nation’s rich cultural tapestry.
However, the current educational system primarily employs English as the medium of instruction, which has rendered local languages like Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba ineffective and almost extinct.
He said teaching in the mother tongue often leads to stronger teacher-student connections, creating a conducive learning environment and positive classroom dynamics.
According to him, engaging local communities in education is more effective when language aligns with the culture and fosters active participation and support for children’s education.
He said that encouraging Indigenous languages in Nigerian primary and junior secondary schools is crucial in promoting inclusive and culturally sensitive education, improving the educational experience for children across the country.
He said that prioritizing local languages bridges the education-culture gap, ensuring no child is left behind due to linguistic barriers, fostering academic success, empowering communities, and strengthening the nation’s fabric.
