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.
Briefing state house correspondents, the Minister of Education, Adamu 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.
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 explains that the mother tongue to be used in each school will be the dominant language spoken by the community where it is located.
President Muhammadu Buhari presided over the Federal Executive Council Meeting on Wednesday.
The Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo as well as a number of cabinet members were physically in attendance.
