In November 2025 the Federal Government reversed the 2022 National Language Policy, which had required indigenous languages as the medium of instruction in the first six years of school; English is now the only language of instruction at every level. The decision has drawn sharp criticism from language experts, and it matters directly to how Yoruba is taught and passed on. This article sets out what was decided, why, and what both sides say.
What changed
| Date | Development |
|---|---|
| 2022 | The Federal Ministry of Education introduces the National Language Policy, with indigenous languages as the medium of instruction for the first six years. |
| 3–7 November 2025 | The 69th National Council on Education in Akure, Ondo State, adopts the decision. |
| 12 November 2025 | Education Minister Tunji Alausa announces the reversal at the Language in Education Conference in Abuja. |
| 28 November 2025 | The Nigerian Languages Summit meets and demands reinstatement of the 2022 policy. |
The government’s reasoning
The minister pointed to high failure rates in WAEC, NECO and UTME examinations in some zones that had adopted mother-tongue instruction, and to students’ difficulty with English comprehension. He described the decision as “evidence-based governance”, according to Global Voices.
What critics say
- The Nigerian Academy of Letters, led by Professor Andrew Haruna, urged that the policy be reinstated.
- The Linguistic Association of Nigeria started a petition to keep the 2022 policy.
- Professor Aderemi Obilana, of Prakis Educational Services, called the halt premature and said no evidence links mother-tongue teaching to exam failures, citing countries such as China, Singapore, South Africa and Finland.
- The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) condemned the move and said it is preparing a legal challenge, according to Radio Nigeria.
What supporters say
Author and commentator Tosin Adeoti said the reversal was the right call, pointing to a shortage of trained teachers, textbooks and infrastructure for instruction in many languages. Supporters of the change generally argue that the country first needs the capacity to teach well in more than 500 languages. The minister’s side has not, in the reports we reviewed, answered the critics’ specific points.
Why it matters for Yoruba
Yoruba is among the largest indigenous languages in Nigeria, but it competes with English in schools, homes and social media. Our reports on children and Yoruba in Lagos and whether Yoruba is in danger show how much of the language’s survival rests on what happens at home. Whatever the policy, learning at home helps: our 30-day Yoruba study plan and Learn Yoruba hub are free places to start.
Frequently asked questions
Is Yoruba still taught in Nigerian schools?
The reversal concerns the language of instruction. Nigerian languages can still be offered as school subjects, but you should check current guidance from your state or school.
Who announced the change?
Education Minister Tunji Alausa, on 12 November 2025, after the National Council on Education’s meeting.
Has the decision been reversed again?
Not in the reports we reviewed, which dated from late 2025.
Note: some 2026 headlines refer to stakeholders opposing a planned removal of indigenous languages from the curriculum. We could not open those reports, so this article covers only the November 2025 decision and we will update it when we can confirm newer developments.
