Nigeria has announced a major shift in its education strategy by cancelling the mother-tongue teaching policy in primary schools and reinstating English as the primary medium of instruction. The decision marks a reversal of the previous initiative that aimed to strengthen local language usage among young students. This policy change has sparked widespread discussion among educators, parents, and policymakers about the long-term impact on learning outcomes, cultural identity, and national educational standards.

Under the earlier policy, primary school students were encouraged to learn core subjects in their indigenous languages. The goal was to improve comprehension, preserve local languages, and foster cultural continuity. Research has shown that young children often grasp concepts better when taught in their mother tongue, which can contribute to stronger foundational learning. However, the implementation of the policy in Nigeria faced numerous challenges, eventually leading to its cancellation.

One of the major reasons behind the reversal was the significant logistical difficulty of applying the mother-tongue policy across Nigeria’s diverse linguistic landscape. With over 500 languages spoken across the country, developing learning materials, training teachers, and maintaining consistency proved to be extremely complex. Many schools lacked adequately trained teachers who could deliver lessons fluently in the local languages, and some regions struggled with selecting which language to prioritize in multilingual communities.

Another concern raised was the long-term academic and economic impact on students. English remains the official language of Nigeria and is the standard language for higher education, government operations, and professional sectors. Some experts argued that delaying English instruction until later grades could disadvantage students when transitioning to secondary education, where all major examinations and textbooks are English-based. Many parents also prefer English instruction early on, seeing it as essential for their children’s future opportunities.

By reverting to English as the main language of instruction, the government aims to unify the learning process and ensure consistency across the country. Officials believe that standardized teaching in English will improve national exam performance, reduce administrative burdens, and align Nigeria’s education system more closely with global academic standards. Schools are expected to adopt the new guidelines immediately, although regional implementation timelines may vary.

Despite the policy change, many educators emphasize the continued importance of preserving Nigerian languages and cultural heritage. They argue that while English may serve as the primary medium of instruction, local languages should still be taught as subjects and integrated into school activities. This can help maintain cultural identity and prevent the gradual erosion of indigenous languages.

Reactions from the public have been mixed. Some parents and teachers welcome the return to English, citing practicality and academic advantages. Others worry that the decision might weaken cultural ties and reduce children’s connection to their roots. Education experts suggest that a balanced approach—strengthening English instruction while actively promoting mother-tongue literacy—could be the most effective long-term strategy.