The Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland and Global Convener of the Oodua Progressive Union (OPU), Iba Gani Adams, has appealed to the Federal Government to reinstate the use of indigenous languages as the medium of instruction in Nigerian schools, warning that the policy reversal could harm learning outcomes and erode cultural identity.

Iba Adams made the call on Monday during his welcome address at the 12th World Congress of the Oodua Progressive Union, tagged Ijebu-Ode 2026, held in Ijebu-Ode. The congress drew OPU members from over 104 countries across the world.

The 15th Aare Onakakanfo expressed strong displeasure over the recent scrapping of the national policy that mandated the use of mother tongue as the language of instruction, particularly at the foundational level of education. He described the policy shift as a setback to effective learning and cultural preservation.

According to him, mother tongue instruction plays a critical role in helping young learners grasp concepts more easily while also strengthening their connection to their culture and heritage.

“There is no great race in the world that neglects its language,” Iba Adams said. “Education should help a child understand who they are, their origin, culture, beliefs, and most importantly, their language.”

He called on the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, to reconsider and reverse the policy, stressing that removing mother tongue instruction risks weakening students’ comprehension and academic performance, especially in early education.

The OPU leader further argued that Nigeria’s multilingual and culturally diverse nature makes the use of indigenous languages in education even more important, as it promotes cultural identity, pride, and continuity among younger generations.

He warned that eliminating mother tongue from the curriculum could undermine efforts to preserve indigenous languages and cultures, potentially leading to cultural erosion and loss of identity.

“We appeal directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and prevail on the Minister of Education to reverse this policy. History may not be kind to those who allow our languages to disappear,” he said.

In his remarks at the event, the Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye praised the turnout at the congress, noting that the global presence of delegates underscored the reach and relevance of the Oodua Progressive Union. He commended the Aare Onakakanfo for his efforts to promote Yoruba culture and preserve the people’s heritage.

The congress, which brought together Yoruba descendants and cultural advocates from across the world, reinforced calls for stronger policies aimed at protecting indigenous languages as a vital part of Nigeria’s education system and cultural identity.