Governor Bago Advocates for Hausa Language To be The Main Medium of Teaching in Northern Schools

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State has proposed a reevaluation of the Northern region's educational system by advocating for Hausa to become the primary language of instruction in schools. Speaking at the National Literary Colloquium held in Minna to mark the 60th birthday of literary icon BM Dzukogi, Governor Bago suggested that English be taught as a subject rather than the main medium of instruction.

During the event at the Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre, Bago explained that adopting Hausa could enhance learning experiences, increase school enrollment, and improve comprehension among pupils.

“Adopting Hausa as the language of instruction in northern schools could significantly enhance the learning experience, promote enrolment, and foster a deeper understanding of subjects among pupils and students,” he stated.

Governor Bago emphasized that teaching in a familiar language could help address challenges faced by students who struggle with English, thereby improving academic outcomes. “The challenge we face is that many children cannot fully understand the lessons when taught in English, a language they are not familiar with. By using Hausa as the medium of instruction, we could make learning more accessible and improve academic outcomes,” he added.

He also encouraged parents to take an active role in their children’s education by investing in books and other learning materials. “Promoting a reading culture is essential for saving future generations from the current societal challenges we face,” Bago remarked.

The proposal has sparked discussions about its potential impact on educational development and efforts to address the issue of out-of-school children in the region.