In a bold move aimed at revitalizing education and cultural identity in Northern Nigeria, Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has called for the adoption of Hausa as the primary medium of instruction in both primary and secondary schools across the region. The announcement was made on the official X (formerly Twitter) handle of Nigerian Stories, sparking widespread reactions and debates among Nigerians.
Governor Bago emphasized the need to promote indigenous languages as a cornerstone of regional development and cultural preservation. According to him, teaching students in a language they understand deeply—like Hausa—can enhance their learning outcomes, foster inclusivity, and strengthen cultural pride.
While the proposal has garnered applause from cultural enthusiasts and educators who see it as a step toward preserving the region’s linguistic heritage, it has also raised questions about its practicality and broader implications. Critics argue that prioritizing Hausa over English, Nigeria’s official language, might create barriers for students seeking opportunities in the globalized economy. Additionally, concerns about how the policy would affect non-Hausa-speaking communities in the North have also come to the fore.
Education experts have weighed in on the conversation, with some suggesting that adopting bilingual instruction—where Hausa complements English—might be a more balanced approach. Proponents of the move argue that using Hausa as a medium of instruction aligns with global best practices that encourage teaching children in their mother tongue during their formative years, as it enhances comprehension and intellectual development.
Regional Unity or Potential Division?
The call for Hausa as a medium of instruction is also being viewed through the lens of regional politics. Northern Nigeria is home to a diverse array of ethnic groups and languages, and the proposal raises questions about inclusivity and how non-Hausa communities would adapt to the shift. Governor Bago, however, reassured that the policy aims to unite the region under a common linguistic framework while respecting its diversity.
Social media platforms have been abuzz with mixed reactions since the announcement. While many users praised Governor Bago for his vision and commitment to cultural preservation, others criticized the move as shortsighted, urging the government to focus instead on improving the quality of education, teacher training, and infrastructure.
One user wrote: “This is a great step for Northern Nigeria. We need to preserve our culture and identity. Kudos to Governor Bago!”
Another commented: “This will only alienate non-Hausa-speaking communities. Education should unite us, not divide us.”
Governor Bago’s proposal, though ambitious, highlights the broader debate about the role of indigenous languages in Nigeria’s education system. It remains to be seen whether other Northern governors will rally behind this initiative and how the federal government will respond to this call for a paradigm shift in education policy.
As the debate unfolds, the question remains: Will this proposal pave the way for a renaissance in Northern education or spark a wave of controversy in an already linguistically diverse region?
What are your thoughts on this groundbreaking proposal? Should indigenous languages take center stage in Nigerian schools, or should the focus remain on English for global competitiveness?
PIONEER NEWS 