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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Culture & Society

Scholars urge FG to reverse language policy cancellation

From The Punch · (5m ago) English Critical tone

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Scholars are urging the Federal Government to reverse the cancellation of the National Language Policy, viewing it as a setback for Nigeria's linguistic and educational development.
  • The policy, approved in 2022, mandated the use of indigenous languages as the medium of instruction from Early Childhood Education to Primary Six.
  • Critics argue that the cancellation, announced by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, threatens indigenous languages, potentially leading to 'linguistic genocide' and hindering national development.

A chorus of scholars is raising serious concerns over the Federal Government's recent decision to cancel the National Language Policy, a move they argue is detrimental to Nigeria's rich linguistic heritage and educational progress.

Language is big business in the world today. Killing the languages means killing businesses, employment, and investment opportunities.

— EgbokhareHighlighting the economic implications of language loss.

The cancellation, announced by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, effectively dismantles a policy approved in 2022 that aimed to promote the use of indigenous languages as the primary medium of instruction in schools, from early childhood to primary six. This policy was seen as a crucial step in preserving and promoting Nigeria's diverse linguistic landscape.

The time to act is now. To preserve, modernise, and leverage our linguistic diversity is to invest in Nigeria’s success and development. Anything less is negligence.

— EgbokhareUrging immediate action to protect and utilize Nigeria's linguistic resources.

At a recent discourse at the University of Ibadan Senior Staff Club, scholars passionately argued for an immediate reversal of this decision. They emphasized that Nigeria is now operating without a defined national language policy for the first time since independence. The dominance of English as the official language and medium of instruction, they contend, poses a significant threat to the survival of indigenous languages, which are vital for cultural transmission and identity.

It poses a danger to national development.

— Prof. Durotoye AdelekeExpressing dismay over the cancellation of the language policy.

Concerns were raised that eliminating the mother tongue from education could amount to 'linguistic genocide,' denying children the right to learn and express themselves in the languages of their environment. Scholars stressed that language is intrinsically linked to business, employment, and investment opportunities, and that neglecting indigenous languages amounts to 'linguistic amnesia,' jeopardizing Nigeria's cultural coherence, technological advancement, and global competitiveness. The decision is seen as serving elite interests rather than the broader masses, posing a danger to national development.

Ignoring indigenous languages, described as vehicles through which people express their civilisation, will not help Nigeria grow as a nation.

— Prof. Clement KolawoleCautioning against the neglect of indigenous languages for national growth.
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Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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