Nigeria
Nigerian has announced a policy aimed at promoting the teaching of primary school pupils in local languages rather than in English.
The new framework known as the National Language Policy had been approved for implementation, education minister Adamu Adamu told journalists on Wednesday (November 30).
In the new policy, instruction for the first six years in primary schools will be in the mother tongue.
English is Nigeria's official language and all learning institutions use it as the common language of teaching and learning.
However, the education minister says “pupils learn much better” when they are taught in their own mother tongue.
The education minister acknowledged that implementing the new policy would be challenging because it would “require a lot of work to develop materials to teach and get the teachers”.
Another challenge is the number of languages spoken in Nigeria - more than 600.
It’s not immediately clear when the government will start implementing the new system.
Go to video
Paris Olympics: With the opening ceremony minutes away, get to know the African flag bearers
01:00
95 Libyan nationals arrested in South Africa
Go to video
South Africa appoints first woman Chief Justice
Go to video
Moroccan ex-minister who defended government critics sentenced to five years
01:43
Anti-Corruption protests erupt in Uganda's capital, inspired by Kenya
Go to video
Algerian opposition criticizes 'Authoritarian Climate' pre-election