Kano Assembly Passes Bill that Makes Hausa the Main Language for Teaching Public in Schools

• The Kano State House of Assembly has passed a bill mandating Hausa as the main language of instruction in public schools
• Lawmakers say the move will improve learning outcomes and preserve cultural identity across the state
• The policy has sparked mixed reactions, with calls for flexible implementation and support for private school autonomy

The Kano State House of Assembly has passed a new bill aimed at making Hausa the main language of instruction in primary and junior secondary schools across the state.

The legislation, titled the Kano State Mother Tongue (Hausa Language) Education Enforcement Bill, was introduced by Mr Musa Kachako, a member representing Takai under the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

Hausa language in schools to boost learning and preserve culture

Presenting the bill during plenary, Mr Kachako said the initiative followed global best practices in education. He pointed to countries like China, Japan, and India, which he said had made major strides in science and technology by teaching children in their native languages from an early age.

Read also

Just In: Southern Kaduna senator pulls out of PDP, announces next party ahead of 2027

He explained that using Hausa as the primary language in classrooms would help pupils understand lessons better, reduce failure rates, and lower the number of school dropouts. He added that the policy would also protect cultural identity and make education more inclusive.

According to Mr Kachako, a legal framework for mother tongue education would lay a stronger foundation for learning and make complex subjects like science and technology easier for pupils to grasp.

After discussion, the Assembly referred the bill to its Standing Committee on Education for further review and recommendations. However, a Kano resident who identified as Hon. Red Pen on social media platform X later confirmed that the bill had been passed.

“The Kano State House of Assembly has passed a landmark bill approving Hausa as the primary language of instruction in all primary and junior secondary schools across the state. This policy aims to strengthen foundational learning and preserve the linguistic and cultural heritage.”

Read also

Tinubu’s govt plans to eliminate use of chalkboards in schools, announces date

Mixed reactions on implementation strategy

Activist Aisha Yesufu welcomed the development but urged a flexible approach to implementation. She suggested that government schools could adopt the policy while allowing room for English-based instruction for those who preferred it. She also called for private schools to retain the freedom to choose their own language policies.

“This is a welcome development but it should not be for all. They can make it in government schools with room for a few that will be English based that those who prefer English can go to. Private schools should make their own preferences.

“Let English be taught as a strong secondary language so they can learn and communicate.

“In the meantime, children will be able to learn properly instead of going through 12 years of schooling without knowing anything because they are being taught in a foreign language.

“Hope all the maths, chemistry, physics, history, government, literature etc have been translated to Hausa.This will actually boost literacy and education.”

Read also

Well-dressed lady enters police station, files complaint against scorching sun, draws action

The bill marks a significant shift in Kano’s education policy, with supporters hoping it will improve learning outcomes and promote the use of indigenous languages in formal education.

See the X post below:

Using local languages to teach in Ghanaian schools now compulsory

Legit.ng earlier reported that Ghana has officially mandated the use of local languages as the primary medium of instruction in all schools, replacing English, according to a report by DW.

The directive, announced by Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, marks a significant shift in the country’s education policy and is part of a broader initiative to reset the national education system.

Source: Legit.ng