The Federal Minister of Education has refuted reports claiming that the government intends to ban indigenous languages from Nigerian schools, calling such stories misleading and inaccurate. Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, the minister reaffirmed the government’s dedication to preserving cultural heritage while enhancing the quality of education across the country.

Clarifying concerns raised by parents, teachers, and community leaders, the minister confirmed that no policy has been proposed to remove indigenous languages from school curricula. On the contrary, the ministry is focused on strengthening language education and promoting multilingual learning. Nigerian languages remain an integral part of the nation’s educational framework and cultural identity.

The clarification followed widespread social media posts and news reports suggesting that languages such as Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo would be replaced by exclusive English instruction. The minister stressed that these claims are false and urged the public to rely on verified information from the Ministry of Education.

Highlighting the importance of indigenous languages, the minister noted that they foster cultural pride, unity, and cognitive development. “Our languages are central to our heritage. They link us to our history, traditions, and communities. We will not support any policy that diminishes this legacy,” he said.

The ministry also explained that upcoming curriculum reforms are intended to improve proficiency in both English and indigenous languages, helping students remain globally competitive while preserving cultural roots. Teachers will receive additional resources and training to support effective multilingual instruction across classrooms.

Education stakeholders welcomed the minister’s statement. Teacher unions and language advocacy groups expressed relief that indigenous language education remains a priority and emphasized the need for clear communication from authorities to prevent misinformation.

In conclusion, the government made it clear that there are no plans to ban indigenous languages in schools, reaffirming its commitment to protecting Nigeria’s linguistic heritage while advancing the nation’s education system.