Nigerian Government Approves Compulsory Mother Tongue Instruction In All Primary Schools

The Federal Executive Council has approved a new National Language Policy making the various mother tongues compulsory medium of instruction from primary one to six. <br />The Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, noted that the policy takes immediate effect. <br />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. <br />He revealed that 29 languages have become extinct, leaving the country with 625 languages. <br />Adamu says even though the policy has officially taken effect, it can only be fully implemented when government develops instructional materials and qualified teachers are available.