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Article published In:
Language Problems and Language Planning
Vol. 44:1 (2020) ► pp.1–19

Language policy and planning in Nigeria

Moving beyond rhetoric

| University of Ibadan

Language planning and policy has been a recurring topic among Nigerian educators. Although the Nigerian National Policy on Education stipulates multilingual education, such provision has remained an object of criticism, rejection, and is therefore not implemented. While some of the issues often raised as hindering its implementation are well-founded, there is also a lack of political will to champion the course of language planning and policy implementation. Meanwhile the government’s intention has been to make the policy receive public acceptance; yet, it has failed to address some of the recurring problems that hinder the achievement of such goal, to the detriment of both the educational and public sectors. This article looks at the dynamics of language planning and policy in Nigeria and why the government must match her rhetoric with action by paying attention to the major issues that hinder the realisation of multilingual education in the country to enhance development.

Keywords: language policy, Nigerian government, multilingual education
Article outline
  • Nigeria and the resources of language
  • Advances in language policy and planning in Nigeria
  • Language issues in the National Policy on Education
  • Language planning and policy in Nigeria: Challenges and opportunities
  • Necessity for action (beyond rhetoric)
  • Conclusion
  • References
Published online: 1 July 2020
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/lplp.00053.okw
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