Army introduces new language policy for officers and soldiers
- The Nigerian Army has introduced a new language policy
- The army says the policy will foster espirit-de-corps and better communication with Nigerians
- English however remains the official language in the Nigerian Army
The Nigerian Army has introduced a new language policy that will foster espirit-de-corps and better communication with Nigerians.
According to a statement sent to Legit.ng by the director, army public relations; Brigadier-General SK Usman, all Nigerian Army personnel have been given one year to learn the three major Nigerian languages - Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa.
The statement however noted that English however remains the official language in the Nigerian Army.
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“The study of foreign and local languages is world-wide practice among armies, in which officers and soldiers are encouraged to be multi-lingual.
“The policy will foster espirit-de-corps and better communication with the populace to enhance information gathering, civil-military relations, increase understanding between militaries when operating abroad and assist officers and soldiers to perform their duties professionally.
“It is to be noted that English remains the official language in the Nigerian Army. Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa languages could be used during Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities or interrogation.
“Therefore all Nigerian Army personnel have been given one year to learn the three major Nigerian languages.
“Invariably, by December 2018, all Nigerian Army personnel are expected to learn the three major Nigerian languages. The standard of proficiency to be attained is the basic level,” the statement said.
The army stated assured its personnel that certificated proficiency level will attract language allowance.
It also stated that the ability to speak the 3 major Nigerian languages will be an added advantage to those applying for recruitment or commissioning into the Nigerian Army.
Legit.ng gathered that before now, the Nigerian Army officially encouraged the learning of French, Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese and Swahili.
Meanwhile, the federal government says it has completed the first phase of prosecution of Boko Haram suspects in its custody, with the next phase to begin soon.
The solicitor-general of the federation, Dayo Apata, who stated this in Abuja on Wednesday, November 8, said the government was determined to bring all Boko Haram detainees to justice.
He spoke at the closure of public sitting/hearing by the Presidential Investigation Panel to Review Compliance of the Armed Forces with Human Rights Obligations and Rules of Engagement.
READ ALSO: Army kills dozens of Boko Haram terrorists, rescues 6-year-old boy
Survivors of Boko Haram - on Legit.ng TV
Source: Legit.ng
