FEC approves compulsory mother tongue instruction in primary schools

THE Federal Executive Council, FEC, yesterday approved a new National Language Policy which makes mother tongue a compulsory medium of instruction from primary one to six.

The Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents at the end of the weekly FEC meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Adamu said though the policy had officially taken effect, it could only be fully implemented when government developed instructional materials and qualified teachers available.

He assured that all Nigeria languages are equal and will be treated as such.

The minister said the decision is only in principle for now because it will require a lot of work to implement it.

“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.

Adamu said the council also approved 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 for admission into higher institutions of learning. FEC also approved police property in Maitama in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, to be developed for the benefit of senior officers, through PPP arrangement with  Cosgrove Consortium.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who briefed on the ministry’s behalf, explained that of the 39 units of houses, the  police would get 15, while Cosgrove would manage 24 houses for a number of years before handing over to the Police. Meanwhile,1.5 per cent of rent from the 24 housing units would go to police until then.

The Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Clement Agba, on his part, said the council discussed the 2022 GDP indicators and performance for third quarter.

He said there was 2.25 per cent improvement, though lower than four per cent of same time last year.

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/12/fec-approves-compulsory-mother-tongue-instruction-in-primary-schools/