A Critical Evaluation of the Implementation of the Nigerian Language Policy at the Pre-Primary and Primary School Levels

The National Policy on Education is the document that expresses the mind of the government on various educational matters. All the stakeholders in the educational theatre must abide by the dictates of this legal document. This paper examines the pronouncements of the Nigerian government on the use of indigenous language(s) in our schools especially at the elementary stages. This is with a view to improving the quality of education in this country through adequate implementation of the language policy statements. This paper also critically examines the state of classroom instructions in primary schools and suggests virile steps towards improving Nigerian system of education through the use of indigenous languages at the lower primary school level as stipulated in the National language policy