Nigeria is making notable advancements in incorporating indigenous languages into its Education framework, with the goal of enhancing academic success and safeguarding the country’s cultural legacy. This initiative comes in light of the launch of the National Language Policy (NLP), which aims to establish indigenous languages as the main language of instruction in primary schools across Nigeria. Stakeholders believe that this change has the potential to propel national progress and elevate Nigeria to the status of nations that have effectively harnessed indigenous languages to promote advancement.
In November 2022, the previous Education Minister, Malam Adamu Adamu, made the NLP public. This initiative ensures the use of the mother tongue or the Language of the Immediate Community (LIC) as the medium of instruction throughout the entire six years of primary schooling. The approval of the policy was facilitated by the Federal Ministry of Education (FME) alongside the Nigerian Education Research and Development Council (NERDC), highlighting a larger effort to support the more than 625 native languages utilised across Nigeria.
Developed countries don’t depend on foreign languages for advancement.
As seen in Nigeria, English serves as the official language and is mainly spoken in cities and by educated individuals, but it is less prevalent in the rural regions. Various experts contend that using a foreign language such as English hinders effective education, especially for young learners who find their local dialects easier to understand. Professor Kabiru Isyaku, a strong advocate of this initiative, highlighted that no developed country depends on a foreign language for its advancement. He referenced nations like China, Japan, and Russia, where local languages dominate in both schooling and governmental affairs. He stated that utilizing a native language enhances clarity of communication, promotes greater comprehension, and facilitates more efficient innovation.
Isyaku recognized the worries surrounding Nigeria’s preparedness, especially in terms of resource allocation and staffing for teaching local dialects. Still, he remained hopeful, emphasising that Nigeria has the potential to initiate the shift. If it fails to initiate, progress will be impossible. He proposed a step-by-step method, beginning with dialects that are extensively recorded and commonly used. The National Language Policy is consistent with earlier efforts, such as the National Cultural Policy in 1988, the National Policy on Education of 2014, and the revised National Broadcasting Code from 2016. However, executing this policy presents significant difficulties.
Only 5,000 works in native languages are preserved in library archives.
According to Professor Chinwe Anunobi, who serves as the National Librarian and Chief Executive of the National Library of Nigeria (NLN), only 5,000 works in native languages have been preserved in the archives. This figure is minimal when contrasted with the country’s rich linguistic variety. To address this, the NLN is assembling a collection of letters and characters from native languages to support the execution of the policy. Professor Anunobi emphasised the significance of teaching in the native language, highlighting that nations with developed economies prioritise their own languages as a basis for progress.
She indicated that incorporating indigenous dialects into education could serve as a pivotal element in reforming Nigeria’s educational framework, similar to its role in other countries. In honour of the 60th anniversary of the National Library of Nigeria, an extraordinary exhibition is set to showcase the wide variety of Nigeria’s linguistic heritage. Anunobi emphasised that this effort will also safeguard languages that are facing extinction, ensuring historical documentation for those yet to come. Numerous dialects are fading away, and it’s crucial to maintain them.
Related Article: Teaching in local languages vital for growth
Lastly, the advantages of this incorporation extend far beyond education. This initiative is perceived as a means to safeguard cultural heritage, enhance community cohesion, and boost educational achievements, especially in remote regions where English is not as prevalent. Additionally, the strategy aims to cultivate a sense of pride and belonging among Nigerians, countering the notion that foreign languages hold greater value. While stakeholders hold a positive outlook, they remain mindful of the obstacles ahead. They advocate for joint efforts among governmental bodies, education professionals, language experts, and business communities to guarantee effective execution.