Enhancing Learning Outcomes in Nigeria through Effective Language of Instruction Policies

Building on my previous research and engagement with education stakeholders, my postdoctoral project focuses on strengthening how Nigeria develops and implements its language of instruction (LOI) policies in primary schools. With over 500 languages spoken across the country, many children are taught in languages they don’t understand, undermining their learning from the very start. While Nigeria’s national policy encourages teaching in mother tongues during the early years of schooling, implementation remains inconsistent and poorly supported in many areas. This project aims to bridge that gap by combining data analysis with practical policy engagement. A core part of the project involves publishing one remaining paper from my PhD. The first paper explores how school type - public versus private - shapes student learning outcomes in Nigeria. Alongside the research, I will lead a training programme for data analysts and education officers at Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Education. This training will build their capacity to use national datasets to identify trends in areas like student performance, teacher qualifications, and resource distribution. The aim is to support Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen its Education Management Information System (EMIS) and make better use of data in shaping and monitoring LOI policies. Another key strand of the project is the development of a practical toolkit to guide the implementation of language policies in schools. I produced a draft version of this toolkit during a previous Knowledge Exchange project, drawing on insights from my PhD and consultations with education stakeholders. During the fellowship, I will revise and expand the toolkit based on new findings from my updated research. I will also work closely with policymakers, teachers, and officials to test and improve the toolkit through structured pilot sessions, ensuring it responds to the realities they face. Finally, I will partner with government agencies, NGOs, and education networks to share the final version and support its uptake in policy and practice. This project addresses a key challenge in education systems across multilingual countries: how to design and implement language policies that genuinely support children’s learning. By producing new evidence, offering practical tools, and working directly with education stakeholders, I hope to contribute to more effective and inclusive education policy in Nigeria. The fellowship will also allow me to grow as a researcher and practitioner, deepening my experience in policy engagement, capacity building, and research communication, and helping ensure that evidence plays a central role in education reform efforts.