The Nigerian government has presented and Flag off the National language Policy as well as the National Reading Framework NRF, to the public.
The government has also adapted 9 year basic education curricula and other education policy support documents for implementation in Nigerian basic schools.
Presenting the documents in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu said the core objective of the language policy was to promote the teaching and learning of reading in Nigerian languages at the basic education level and beyond.
“One of such cultural heritages is the diversity in our languages. Our languages define us and make us unique across the globe and we must make every effort to ensure their preservation and effective utilisation in our drive to make Nigeria great.
“On assumption of office, we were determined to provide the nation a language policy that is implementable that would unfold opportunities and benefits across all sectors for sustainable development”
“In line with this we have articulated a National Framework (NRE approved by the National Council on Education (NCE)”
“Moreover, as part of this collaborative effort a Sociolinguistic Survey of Language and Diversity in Nigeria has also been formulated which gives us an informed perspective on the number and vitality of languages in the country,”Adamu explained.
The NRF
Speaking on the NRF, the Minister said the framework entrenches best practices in educational delivery while also presenting a concerted effort and decision on measurable reading-related skills and attitudes.
He stated that the NRF would empower pupils to develop, proficiency, regardless of where they live or the language in which they learn to read.
Learners must learn to read-and to read to learn.
He says, “The presentation and flag off of the NRF for implementation in Nigeria, therefore, is another significant milestone in the advancement of education, access to quality education, and achievements of the MSP, Agenda 2030 and the SDGS.”
National Language Policy
The Minister of Education disclosed that as part of plans to strengthen the book quality assurance mechanism, the government developed a National Book Assessment and Quality Assurance Manual.
According to the Minister, the Manual provides benchmarks and standards to guide authors and publishers for quality book development and publishing.
“Most importantly, it will discourage proliferation of material that is not in consonance with our cultural and religious foundations.
“This presentation is been presented due to various publications that are inimical to our cultural and religious values.
As part of this effort, we also prioritised providing education for learners with special needs,Adamu told the public that the NERDC has completed the adaptation of the 9-Year Basic Education Curriculum in the form of the Resource Room-Based Curricula for learners with visual impairment giving them the opportunity to acquire basic education,” he said.
The Minister however applauded the Universal Basic Education Commission for supporting NERDC to shieve this feat.
Confidence Okwuchi
