Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State has called for the adoption of Hausa as the medium of instruction in primary and secondary schools across Northern Nigeria, stating that this measure would address the region’s high rate of out-of-school children and encourage greater enrolment in formal education. He made this appeal during the National Literary Colloquium held on Tuesday in Minna to commemorate the 60th anniversary of literary icon BM Dzukogi, founder of the Hilltop Arts Foundation.

Speaking at the Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre, Bago emphasized the importance of language in fostering effective learning. He urged northern governors to revise the region’s education curriculum to incorporate Hausa as the primary language of instruction, relegating English to the status of a subject. “The North has the problem of school enrolment, and we as leaders of the region must find a solution so that our children can be educated,” he stated.

Bago argued that the use of Hausa in classrooms would inspire greater understanding among pupils and students, making education more accessible and relatable. He called on parents to provide books and reading materials for their children, emphasizing that fostering a reading culture is essential to combat societal challenges. “Promoting reading culture is one of the best ways to save future generations from the current societal degeneration,” he remarked.

The governor also announced plans by his administration to merge certain schools to include vocational training, aiming to enhance skill acquisition and learning outcomes. Additionally, he pledged to collaborate with the Hilltop Arts Foundation to promote a reading culture and strengthen educational initiatives in Niger State and beyond.