In a move to assess the effectiveness of the National Policy on Education concerning language use in early learning, the Federal Ministry of Education (FME), through its Basic Education Department, Language and Special Needs Division, has embarked on a monitoring exercise to ascertain compliance across basic schools in the country.

The team leader, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Efi Anam, disclosed this during an interactive session at the Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Conference Room, while engaging with key stakeholders including representatives of the School-Based Management Committee (SBMC), Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), Learners and Education Directors, that the motive was to ensure complete compliance.

She explained that the National Policy on Education provides for the use of the language of the immediate environment as the medium of instruction in the early years of schooling, emphasising that the monitoring exercise was not a directive mission but an opportunity to gather firsthand information on implementation.

Dr. Anam said, “We are here to interact, not to instruct. Your responses will be documented and submitted to the consultant, who will then advise the Honorable Minister on whether there is need to make adjustments to the existing policy.”

In his remarks, Director, Administration and Supplies, Mr. Femi Fatade, welcomed the monitoring team and expressed delight at their presence, describing the Federal Ministry of Education as a “mother who knows what is best for her child."

He assured the team of Ogun SUBEB’s utmost cooperation and encouraged all participants to listen with rapt attention and respond sincerely during the engagement.

Earlier, Director, Social Mobilisation, Mr. Abodunrin Akinleye, appreciated the Federal Ministry of Education for its continuous interest in the development of basic education, expressing optimism that the visit would provide valuable insights into the realities at the grassroots and further strengthen the implementation of the language policy.

Speaking on behalf of the participants, Mrs. Karimot Raji of African Church Primary School, Ita-Iyalode, Abeokuta South Local Government Area, thanked the Ministry for its engagement and pledged the readiness of teachers to support the proper implementation of the language of the immediate environment in the classroom.