Issued by: Coalition of Concerned Academics, Linguists, and Cultural Foundations
Convened by: Center for Hausa Studies, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria, in collaboration with the Centre for Research in Nigerian Languages, Translation and Folklore (CRNLT&F), Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria
Date: 16th November, 2025
Time: 04:00 WAT
Hybrid Venue: MIS Conference Room, Usmanu Danfodiyo
University, Sokoto, with simultaneous participation via Zoom.
1.0 Preamble
The Coalition of Concerned Academics, Linguists, and
Cultural Foundations convened an emergency session on the 16th of November 2025
to deliberate on the Federal Ministry of Education’s recent cancellation of the
National Language Policy (NLP) 2022. The Coalition acknowledges the Tinubu-led
administration’s openness to public dialogue and its demonstrated sensitivity
to concerns raised by the Nigerian populace. It is with this spirit of
constructive engagement that we present this communiqué.
2.0 Background
The National Language Policy (NLP) of 2022 represents a
landmark national commitment grounded in global best practices, scientific
evidence, and UNESCO guidelines advocating Mother Tongue Instruction (MTI) in
early childhood and primary education. However, the Honorable Minister of
Education announced the cancellation of this policy during the National
Education Council meeting. Subsequently, on 12th November 2025, the Minister
also reaffirmed the cancellation of the policy at a conference organized by the
British Council in Abuja. These announcements have generated widespread
concerns among scholars, language experts, and cultural institutions.
The Coalition believes that the Tinubu-led administration
(known for its nationalistic orientation and commitment to educational reform,
under its Renewed Hope Agenda) will welcome expert clarification and objective
analysis on this critical matter.
3.0 Observations
3.1 Government Openness to Dialogue
The Tinubu administration has consistently demonstrated its
willingness to consult stakeholders, correct missteps, and respond to citizens’
concerns. The Coalition is confident that this matter will receive similar
consideration.
3.2 Chronological and Empirical Concerns
Citing MTI as the cause of mass failure in WAEC, NECO, and
JAMB is chronologically and scientifically untenable:
i. Students under NLP 2022 are only in Primary 1–3.
ii. National examinations occur 10–12 years later.
Thus, MTI cannot be responsible for the present exam
outcomes, since it has been fully implemented.
3.3 Need for Transparency
To uphold standards of evidence-based governance, we
respectfully request the publication of the data referenced by the Minister, or
its official withdrawal.
3.4 Root Causes of the Learning Crisis
Current educational challenges stem from:
i. Weak foundational literacy
ii. Undertrained teachers
iii. Underfunded educational system
iv. Infrastructure deficiencies
Mother-Tongue Instruction is designed to address these, not
exacerbate them.
4.0 Key Findings
4.1 Cognitive and Scientific Imperatives
Global neuroscience confirms that children learn faster and
master STEM concepts more effectively when taught first in their mother tongue.
4.2 Nigerian Research Outcomes
State-based MTI pilots reveal:
i. Improved mathematics performance
ii. Better reading comprehension
iii. Higher retention rates
iv. Greater classroom participation
4.3 Economic and Technological Implications
Countries that develop their indigenous languages enjoy:
i. Higher research output
ii. Stronger innovation ecosystems
iii. Greater economic resilience
Nigeria should continue developing metalanguages in science
and technology.
4.4 Linguistic Sovereignty and National Unity
Indigenous languages are pillars of national cohesion,
cultural identity, and grassroots governance.
4.5 Success Stories of Mother-Tongue Teaching
The academic advantages of mother-tongue instruction were
clearly demonstrated, when students who were taught core subjects in their
native language, as well as learning English as a separate subject, showed
strong academic performance as well as achieved fluent mastery of English. This
success is supported by well-established psychological principles researchers
assert that children taught in their L1 (mother tongue) assimilate complex
concepts and materials far more quickly and effectively than those taught
solely in a foreign language (L2). This approach allows students to focus their
cognitive energy on understanding content, thereby building a solid
intellectual foundation that later facilitates the successful acquisition of an
L2.
5.0 Resolutions
5.1 Cooperative Call for Reconsideration
The Coalition respectfully urges the Tinubu-led
administration to reverse the cancellation of NLP 2022 in the spirit of
national interest and evidence-based reform.
5.2 Restoration and Strengthened Implementation of MTI
We call for:
i. Properly phased rollout
ii. Robust teacher training
iii. Alignment of curriculum and assessment
iv. Investment in metalanguage and instructional materials
5.3 Legislative Engagement
We urge the National Assembly to:
i. Open public hearings
ii. Investigate the source and implications of the
cancellation
iii. Provide legal safeguards for MTI's continuity
5.4 Partnership and Technical Support
The Coalition stands ready to offer:
i. Research-based guidance
ii. Curriculum development support
iii. Language standardization expertise
iv. Implementation monitoring
5.5 Role of State Governments
All states across Nigeria should prevail upon their state
legislators and state governments to enact laws that enable the use of mother
tongues in schools.
5.6 Role of Traditional Leaders
It is critically important for emirs, chiefs, parents and
other stakeholders across all geopolitical zones to actively champion the
protection of indigenous mother tongues. These leaders should engage relevant
government authorities to advocate for the immediate reversal of policies that
have led to the cancellation or devaluation of local language instruction.
5.7 Toward a National Language Policy
It is high time Nigeria initiate a concerted national
dialogue on adopting a recognized national language. Furthermore, incorporating
indigenous languages into higher education curricula (such as through General
Studies courses) is essential for preserving and sustaining the nation’s
linguistic heritage and cultural value.
6.0 Conclusion
The Coalition reaffirms its belief that the Tinubu-led
administration will prioritize the educational future of Nigerian children and
uphold Nigeria’s cultural and linguistic sovereignty.
Reinstating the National Language Policy (2022) will:
i. Strengthen foundational learning
ii. Protect cultural identity
iii. Promote national unity
iv. Advance Nigeria’s global competitiveness
The protection of Nigeria’s languages is the protection of
Nigeria’s future.
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