Language has always been the foundation of communication and learning.
Nigeria as a country is enriched with over 500 languages and dialects, which makes language diversity a beautiful cultural asset.
However, moving on to the education system, this diversity can become a barrier rather than a blessing.
The glaring issue of the language barrier in Nigerian schools has affected comprehension, academic performance, and even emotional confidence in learners, especially in early childhood education.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Language Barrier in Education
Speaking of a wide range of Nigerian schools, the official language of instruction is English. But for a large number of pupils, especially in rural areas, English has neither been spoken at home nor used in their communities.
Imagine a child entering Primary 1 and being expected to learn mathematics, science, and social studies in a language they can barely understand.
According to a UNESCO report, it has been recorded that children learn best in their mother tongue, especially during their early years.
When instruction is given in a foreign or unfamiliar language, the child often struggles with comprehension, which affects performance and long-term retention.
How Language Barriers Have Affected Nigeria’s Education System
1. Poor Academic Performance
A significant number of students struggle with their academic performance, not due to lack of intelligence, but because they do not fully understand the language of instruction—English.
A 2019 WAEC analysis revealed that only 39% of candidates passed English with credit or above, highlighting the comprehension struggles many students face. When students cannot understand what they are being taught, it directly impacts their performance and long-term retention of information.
2. Loss of Confidence and Participation
Students who struggle with expressing themselves in English often feel shy, inadequate, and unmotivated to participate in class discussions.
This emotional disconnection can erode their confidence, leading to anxiety and disengagement. Over time, this can contribute to high dropout rates, as students may lose the drive to continue their education.
3. Teacher-Learner Communication Gap
In many public schools, teachers focus primarily on completing the syllabus in English, often neglecting the needs of students who struggle with the language. This results in a lack of understanding, as these students might need additional support or translations to fully grasp lessons.
The communication gap between teachers and students widens, making it harder for these students to keep up with their peers.
4. Dropout Rates and Illiteracy
Language barriers contribute to the rising dropout rates in Nigeria. Consistent academic struggles due to language comprehension can cause students to feel demotivated and eventually leave school.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics (2022), over 10.5 million Nigerian children are out of school, with language barriers being a significant contributing factor, particularly in Northern Nigeria where English is seldom spoken at home.
5. Cultural Erosion
Placing more emphasis on English than on indigenous languages can lead to a loss of cultural identity. Children may grow up perceiving their native languages as inferior, leading to a gradual disconnect from their cultural heritage.
This cultural erosion can weaken the sense of identity and pride in one’s background.
How Do We Bridge the Gap
1. Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE)
UNESCO recommends that the first 3–5 years of a child’s education should be taught in their mother tongue. This approach allows students to better grasp foundational concepts before transitioning to English. Gradually introducing English in later years ensures that the students do not lose their grasp on core ideas while adapting to a second language.
2. Bilingual Teacher Training
Teachers should be equipped with bilingual teaching skills, especially for students over the age of five. Educators should be trained to deliver lessons in both English and the student’s native language. This dual-language approach supports early learners and ensures better clarity and comprehension.
3. Inclusive Curriculum Design
Textbooks, assessments, and other educational materials should be available in major local languages like Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, and Tiv. This would make education more accessible and relatable for students from different linguistic backgrounds, encouraging active participation and better learning outcomes.
4. Community Involvement
Parents and guardians should be encouraged to engage in home-based learning using the child’s native language. Schools can play an important role by gradually introducing English and supporting the transition without overwhelming the students.
A partnership between home and school in fostering language development can have a significant positive impact.
5. Use of Educational Technology
Integrating educational technology, such as multilingual learning apps and e-learning platforms, can help support students who are more comfortable learning in their mother tongue. These tools offer flexibility and enhance understanding by providing lessons in multiple languages.
Final Thoughts
Language should never be a barrier to learning especially In a multilingual country like Nigeria. The education system must evolve to showcase the realities of its learners.
When children understand what they are being taught, they excel, not just academically, but emotionally and socially. By bridging the language gap, we not only improve academic outcomes, but we are also restoring confidence, cultural pride, and a stronger sense of identity among the average Nigerian student.
By embracing inclusive, mother-tongue education policies, Nigeria can unlock the full potential of every child, ensuring that no one is left behind due to a language they were never taught to understand.
Read Also: Sexual Harassment: An Overlooked Topic In Pre-Schools & Primary Schools
