Dare Babalola
The Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL) has expressed deep concern over the recent decision to cancel the National Language Policy (NLP 2022) and designate English as the sole medium of instruction at all levels of education in Nigeria.
In a statement signed by Prof. Andrew Haruna, President of NAL on Friday, the academy described the decision as a “setback with serious and far-reaching implications” that undermines decades of advocacy for indigenous languages.
The NLP 2022, established to promote mother-tongue-based multilingual education, was the culmination of over four decades of incremental decisions by the National Council on Education.
“The National Language Policy (2022) was established to promote mother-tongue-based multilingual education, ensuring that children receive instruction in the language of their immediate environment during their first six years of schooling,” the statement read.
NAL cited international research, including UNESCO guidelines, affirming that education in the mother tongue enhances literacy, cognitive development, and academic achievement. The academy also referenced successful models in countries like Bolivia and Ghana, which have promoted multilingual education.
“To dismiss it so glibly, without due regard for expert knowledge and public opinion, is utterly scornful of Nigerians and does not speak well of the government’s respect for evidence-based policymaking,” the statement added.
The academy warned that the decision would have serious implications, including undermining decades of advocacy and modest achievements in support of indigenous languages, threatening Nigeria’s linguistic diversity, cultural identity, and national cohesion.
“A country that deprives its young ones of education in their mother tongue has denied them access to the deepest and most authentic sources of knowledge,” Prof. Haruna said.
The NAL further called on the government to reinstate the NLP 2022, retain Nigerian languages in the national core curriculum, and invest in teacher training and learning materials in indigenous languages.
The academy also urged civil society, NGOs, and cultural organisations to advocate for linguistic rights and mobilize public engagement to hold authorities accountable.
