NAL Condemns Language Policy U-turn, Warns of Cultural and Educational Decline

The Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL) has voiced dissatisfaction with the recent action taken by the National Council on Education (NCE) to...

The Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL) has voiced dissatisfaction with the recent action taken by the National Council on Education (NCE) to revoke the National Language Policy (NLP 2022) and reinstate English as the only language used for teaching across all educational levels in the nation.

The choice was made during the 69th NCE gathering that took place in Akure, Ondo State, between November 3rd and 6th, 2025.

A statement released on Friday, signed by its President, Professor Andrew Haruna, the NAL referred to the action as "a setback with significant and wide-ranging consequences," cautioning that the policy change weakens years of efforts aimed at Nigeria's language development and goes against international standards in education.

The NLP 2022 aimed to support mother-tongue-based multilingual education by making sure that children are taught in the language spoken around them during their initial six years of school.

The Academy pointed out that the policy was not a random development but the result of over 40 years of gradual choices made by the NCE in favor of instruction in the native language.

NAL emphasized that the policy was developed through thorough research, extensive discussions, and input from experts, including academics, teachers, and local communities throughout the nation.

As per the statement, rejecting the policy "so casually, without proper consideration of expert opinion and public sentiment, is completely dismissive of Nigerians and reflects poorly on the government's commitment to evidence-driven decision-making."

The Academy also referenced UNESCO guidelines and comprehensive global research indicating that education conducted in one's native language enhances literacy, intellectual growth, academic achievement, cultural identity, and social integration.

NAL cited the groundbreaking Six-Year Ife Primary Education Study conducted by the late Professor Babs Fafunwa, which offered practical proof of the effectiveness of mother-tongue instruction.

It also pointed to the case of Bolivia, which moved from a monolingual system to a multilingual educational approach and was later recognized as illiterate-free by UNESCO.

Likewise, Ghana, after examining Nigeria's approach, has recently implemented a multilingual education system.

"It's ironic that while other African nations like Ghana are emulating Nigeria's approach, Nigeria is rolling back a policy it hasn't even put into action," the statement noted.

NAL added that an accepted implementation model is already in place, which contradicts the claims made by the Minister of Education.

The Academy cautioned that canceling the NLP 2022 might undermine Nigeria's cultural base and diminish social unity.

The statement claimed that the decision could lead to the exclusion of speakers of minority languages, goes against constitutional rules that promote instruction in their native tongues, and brings back old colonial views on linguistic superiority.

"A nation that denies its youth education in their native language has restricted their access to the most profound and genuine sources of knowledge. Cutting learners off from their mother tongue diminishes their intellectual and creative abilities," the statement warned.

NAL also raised doubts about the urgency of the minister's request for the policy change, particularly as the policy has not yet been put into effect.

Stressing that instruction in the native language is crucial for achieving top-quality education, the Academy stated that the issue is not with the policy itself but with insufficient dedication to putting it into practice.

Removing Nigerian languages from the curriculum, the Academy stated, would damage the intellectual base of Nigerian students, erode cultural identity, and threaten future socio-cultural growth.

NAL provided specific actions for the government, civil society, media, and international collaborators, urging the government to restore the NLP 2022, keep Nigerian languages in the national curriculum, fund teacher development and instructional resources, and work with specialists for a gradual rollout.

It called on civil society and non-governmental organizations to promote linguistic rights and ensure authorities are answerable.

The NAL stated that media and public intellectuals should promote public awareness and vigorous discussion on multilingual education, while encouraging international partners to assist Nigeria in meeting UNESCO guidelines.

"Silence is not a choice. Safeguarding our languages and encouraging education in native tongues is a national duty and a moral responsibility towards present and future generations," the statement highlighted.

NAL reconfirmed its readiness to collaborate with the Federal Government, the Linguistic Association of Nigeria (LAN), the National Institute for Nigerian Languages (NINLAN), academic institutions, and communities throughout the nation in safeguarding Nigeria's linguistic heritage while preparing students for global competitiveness.

The declaration stated that each Nigerian child has the right to learn, think, and create based on the strong base of their native language and traditions.

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