The Federal Executive Council (FEC) presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari has approved a National Language Policy for use fron primary one to six across the country.
Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents at the end of the Council meeting
Adamu who noted that the policy takes immediate effect, stated that the government is aware that its implementation will be difficult, but 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 disclosed 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.
He said:”A memo on National Policy was approved by the council. So, Nigeria now has a National Language Policy and the details will be given later by the Ministry.
“One of the highlights is that the government has agreed now that henceforth, instruction in primary schools; the first six years of learning will be in the mother tongue.”
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.
“Theoretically, this policy starts from today but the use of mother tongue is exclusive but we need time to develop the material, get the teachers and so on.
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He further stressed that the mother tongue to be used in each school will be the dominant language spoken by the community where it is located.
“Since the first six years of school should be in the mother tongue, whereby the pupil is, the language of the host community is what will be used.
“Because we have 625 languages at the last count and the objective of this policy is to promote, and enhance the cultivation and use of all Nigerian languages,” he added.
He further revealed that the Council has also approved a consultancy services agreement between Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and a Private Company, for the upgrade of the portal on which the Board records candidates seeking admission into Higher Institutions of learning.
It was gathered that before the Council meeting, a minute silence was observed in honour of elder statesman and former Minister of Steel Development, Dr. Paul Unongo.
Dr Unongo had held several political positions and was involved in constitutional conferences. Until his death, the late Unongo was Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC).
President Muhammad Buhari presided over the meeting while the vice-president, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and other cabinet members were also present in the meeting in persons.