BACCIMA Urges FME to Reassess Language Policy, Cites UNESCO Guidelines

The Bauchi Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BACCIMA) has strongly denounced Nigeria's newly unveiled language policy, labeling it a "step backward" that imperils children's learning, cultural heritage, and national development.

​Speaking at an advocacy press conference in Bauchi on Wednesday, BACCIMA President Hon. Aminu Mohammed Danmaliki voiced deep concern that the policy contradicts global best practices and undermines the work of established federal agencies dedicated to promoting indigenous languages.

​He specifically cited agencies such as the:

​National Institute for Nigerian Languages (NINLAN)

​Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC)

​National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC)

​National broadcasting institutions that support mother-tongue programming.

​Danmaliki argued that the new policy, which essentially prioritizes English as the dominant medium of instruction from early childhood, runs counter to UNESCO and UN conventions that advocate for mother-tongue education.

​The BACCIMA President stressed that global research consistently proves children learn "better and faster when taught in a language they understand."

​He warned that abandoning mother-tongue instruction would likely worsen inequality, particularly for children from rural and low-income backgrounds who have limited exposure to English. Furthermore, the shift threatens cultural identity, weakens local knowledge systems, and risks the erosion of indigenous languages.

​Danmaliki urged for a more balanced approach, recommending mother-tongue instruction at early levels followed by a gradual transition to English. He pointed to successful models in countries like Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Finland as examples.

​The BACCIMA President called on the Federal Ministry of Education, NINLAN, NERDC, state governments, traditional institutions, and civil society groups to urgently review the policy to safeguard Nigeria's linguistic heritage.

​"Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity," he stated, adding, "A nation that neglects its languages risks cultural extinction. This policy must be reassessed in the interest of national unity and our children’s future." He also commended The Trumpeter newspaper for publicly challenging the policy.