The Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN) has called on the Federal Government to reconsider its decision to abolish the use of indigenous languages as a medium of instruction in Nigerian schools, warning that the policy could accelerate the extinction of local languages and erode the country’s cultural identity.
The call was made by the General Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the BSN, Pastor Samuel Sanusi, during a press briefing in Lagos on Saturday as part of activities marking the society’s 60th anniversary. Sanusi expressed concern that several Nigerian languages have already gone extinct due to lack of active use and institutional support.
According to him, language plays a central role in preserving culture, identity, and collective memory, stressing that removing indigenous languages from classrooms sends a wrong signal to younger generations. He argued that education policies should strengthen, not weaken, Nigeria’s rich linguistic heritage.
“We want to call on the government to reconsider its abolition of indigenous languages as a medium of teaching in schools,” Sanusi said. “The death of a language is the death of a culture and the death of a people. Language is part of our identity, and we should be proud of it anywhere, any day and at any time.”
Sanusi recalled that the policy announcement was made in November last year by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, during the Language in Education International Conference 2025 organised by the British Council in Abuja. The minister reportedly justified the decision by pointing to poor performance in national examinations conducted by WAEC, NECO, and JAMB.
The BSN CEO, however, disagreed with the rationale, arguing that prioritising English over indigenous languages would not solve the problem of mass failure in examinations. He noted that learning in one’s mother tongue often enhances comprehension and foundational understanding, especially at the early stages of education.
“To us, this action will not encourage the growth and usage of our mother tongues,” he said. “We should be proud of our languages. Prioritising English Language over our indigenous languages will not do us much good.”
Drawing from the society’s long-standing experience, Sanusi explained that the BSN translates the Bible into Nigerian languages precisely because not everyone understands English. He noted that access to information, education, and spiritual resources is significantly improved when people are taught in languages they understand best.
He further urged parents and educators to take responsibility by teaching children their mother tongues both at home and in schools. According to him, national policy should complement family and community efforts, rather than undermine them.
Sanusi also pointed out that several African and non-African countries have adopted foreign languages for official communication without sacrificing their local languages. He argued that Nigeria can maintain English as an official language while still protecting and promoting indigenous tongues.
Beyond advocacy on language policy, the BSN used the briefing to outline activities lined up to commemorate its 60th anniversary. Sanusi said the celebration, themed “Celebrating Impact and Building a Legacy of Hope,” would highlight the society’s contribution to Nigeria’s cultural, social, and spiritual development.
He disclosed that activities would include a Bible exhibition scheduled for February 2 at the Lagos Bible Guest House, where rare handwritten Bibles and a 15.4-kilogram Legacy Bible would be displayed for public viewing.
Other events include a partners’ appreciation dinner and the inauguration of a second studio for the Deaf Bible Translation Project on February 4, as well as a Chief Executive Officer’s conference on February 5, aimed at engaging stakeholders on the future of faith-based service in Nigeria.
Sanusi added that the anniversary celebrations would climax with the Founder’s Day on February 6, 2026. The Bible Society of Nigeria was founded on February 8, 1966, and has since translated the Bible into more than 27 indigenous Nigerian languages.
Speaking at the briefing, the BSN’s Manager of Administration and Chairman of the 60th Anniversary Planning Committee, Patrick Ohakawa, described the milestone as a testament to enduring faith and service. He said the society has remained resilient despite decades of social, economic, and operational challenges.
“This 60-year milestone is not just a celebration of longevity; it is a celebration of faith, resilience, service, and sacrifice,” Ohakawa said. “We are proud of the enduring impact we have made on the social, cultural, and spiritual life of our nation.”
Ohakawa further revealed that the Founder’s Day ceremony would be chaired by former President Dr Goodluck Jonathan, with Pastor Poju Oyemade of The Covenant Nation serving as the guest speaker. He added that the celebrations would conclude with a thanksgiving service at The Covenant Nation on February 8.
