By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland and Global Convener of the Oodua Progressive Union (OPU), Iba Gani Adams, has appealed to the federal government to reinstate the use of ‘mother tongue’ as a language of instruction in Nigerian schools, particularly at the foundational level.

Adams made the appeal in his address at the 12th World Congress of the Oodua Progressive Union, held in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, and tagged Ijebu-Ode 2026. The event attracted delegates from over 104 countries across the world.

Adams expressed strong displeasure over the recent removal of the national policy mandating the use of indigenous languages as the medium of instruction in schools, describing the decision as a setback to effective learning and cultural preservation.

According to him, the use of mother tongue in early education is a fundamental component of meaningful learning, as it enhances comprehension, academic performance and self-awareness among learners.

“No great race in the world neglects its language. The essence of education is for a people to understand themselves, their origin, culture, beliefs and, most importantly, their language,” Adams said

He warned that removing mother tongue instruction from the curriculum could impair students’ understanding, especially at the early stages of education, and negatively affect their academic development.

“We appeal to the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, to reverse the policy removing the use of mother tongue as a language of instruction from the Nigerian education curriculum,” he said.

Adams further noted that Nigeria’s multilingual and culturally diverse nature makes mother tongue instruction even more critical, as it promotes cultural identity, pride and continuity by connecting children to their heritage.

He cautioned that eliminating indigenous languages from the education system undermines efforts to preserve Nigeria’s cultural values and could result in cultural erosion and loss of identity among younger generations.

“We specifically appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prevail on the Minister of Education to reconsider and reverse this policy. History may not be kind to those who allow indigenous languages to disappear,” Adams added.

In his remarks, the Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, Oba Abdulrasaq Adenugba, welcomed delegates to Ijebuland and commended the OPU for its global reach, noting that the organisation has justified its registration in over 104 countries.

The monarch also praised Gani Adams for his commitment to the promotion of Yoruba culture, language and heritage across the world.