Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago has called on northern governors to revamp the region’s education system by adopting Hausa as the primary language of instruction in schools.
Speaking at the National Literary Colloquium in Minna, marking the 60th birthday of literary icon, BM Dzukogi, Governor Bago suggested that English should be taught solely as a school subject rather than being the medium of instruction in primary and secondary schools across northern Nigeria.
Bago argued that introducing Hausa as the language of instruction would enhance students’ understanding, improve enrolment rates, and address the high number of out-of-school children in the region.
The governor said, “Adopting Hausa as the language of instruction in northern schools could significantly enhance the learning experience, promote enrolment, and foster a deeper understanding of subjects among pupils and students.
“If this policy could reduce the number of out-of-school children in our region, I believe it is a change worth considering.”
The governor further emphasized that such a policy shift could bridge gaps in learning and reduce the dropout rate in northern Nigeria, where educational challenges persist.
“The challenge we face is that many children cannot fully understand the lessons when taught in English, a language they are not familiar with. By using Hausa as the medium of instruction, we could make learning more accessible and improve academic outcomes,” he added.
In addition to advocating for the use of local languages, Bago urged parents to play a more active role in their children’s education.
He highlighted the importance of investing in books and educational resources to foster a culture of reading and critical thinking among young people.
“Promoting a reading culture is essential for saving future generations from the current societal challenges we face,” Bago added.