A former Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Gasua, Yobe  State, Professor Andrew Haruna has acknowledged that a resilience parental guardian and adequate funding is a remedy to mother tongue based-education (MTBE).


Professor Haruna said by investing in MTBE we invest in a generation that is confident, competent, and connection to its root, taking into account that some Nigeria's mother tongue is fast eroding.

He made the clarion call during the Plateau State Autochthonous languages conference 2025, held in Jos, theme:"mother tongue education a panacea for better academic comprehension.

The conference is organized by the Nigeria Indigenous Languages Council-Plateau State chapter in conjunction with the Conference of Autochthonous Ethnic communities development association (CONAECDA).
The event also culminated with launching of the Plateau State mother tongue based multi-lingual education programme, the Plateau State indigenous languages media programme as well as the presentation of mother tongue school 65 text books.

Applauding Plateau State Government for the noble initiative, Professor Haruna stated that mother tongue education has to do with nurturing thinkers, builders, and leaders.

Daily Champion reports that the Plateau State with over 50 languages, 6 tribes cutting across the three senatorial district were picked for the pilot program. This includes; Northern Zone-Berom and Afizere, Central zone- Mwaghavul and Ngas, and Southern zone- Gamai and Tarok, but unfortunately Tarok withdraw from the initiative leaving five tribes.

It was also learned that the 65 text books written in the above five languages will be for teaching in schools by September 2025.

Plateau commissioner ministry of Tourism,  culture and hospitality, Hon. Cornelius Doeyok, said research has shown that students learn best in environments where they feel comfortable and engaged. When education is delivered in a language familiar to them, students grasp concepts more easily, which in turn enhances critical thinking and helps them express ideas more effectively.

"From a cultural standpoint, modern approaches to multilingual education help preserve our rich heritage while unlocking the immense academic potential within our children. Students who are taught in their indigenous languages consistently demonstrate improved academic performance and greater self-confidence, knowing that their mother tongue is not only accepted but celebrated—even in this age of globalization, multiculturalism, and technological advancement.

"There is no doubt that modern multilingual education fosters a more inclusive, effective, and enabling learning environment. It also lays the foundation for the creation of community-based policies that are easier to understand and implement."