China, India prove mother-tongue teaching works – Otti

Abia State Governor Alex Otti believes Nigeria can learn from China and India, who teach children in their native languages without hindering their academic progress. At a recent lecture, Otti dismissed concerns about indigenous language education, citing successful experiences in South Korea, India, and China. He acknowledged the validity of fears but argued that these countries' achievements suggest the concerns may be overblown.

The governor praised the Fafunwa Educational Foundation for its research on early language education, which showed better learning outcomes for children taught in their native tongue. However, he noted that implementing such a policy in Nigeria would require addressing challenges like a shortage of teachers fluent in local languages and the need for appropriate learning materials.

Keynote speaker Prof Francis Egbokhare emphasized that the primary issue is not the concept of teaching in indigenous languages but the practical aspects of implementation, including teacher training and the availability of educational resources. He stressed that while mother-tongue education is beneficial, it should complement, not replace, English, which remains essential for communication and access to global knowledge.