FG adopts compulsory use of mother tongue in schools

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the compulsory use of mother tongues in primary one to six across the country.

The new National Language Policy was one of the decisions taken at the FEC meeting which was presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday.

Addressing newsmen at the State House, Abuja after the meeting, Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, noted that the policy takes immediate effect.

He stated that the government is aware that its implementation will be difficult but it is necessary to promote the cultivation and use of all Nigerian languages.

He revealed that as of today, 29 languages have become extinct, leaving the country with 625 languages.

For this reason, he said that the mother tongue will be used exclusively for the first six years of education, and then combined with the English language from Junior Secondary School.

Adamu said even though the policy has officially taken effect, it can only be fully implemented when government develops instructional materials and qualified teachers are available.

He further explained that the mother tongue to be used in each school will be the dominant language spoken by the community where it is located.