Preserving Indigenous Languages in Nigerian Educational Systems: Strategic Approaches and Best Practices

Nigeria's educational system includes multiple indigenous languages that are part of its rich cultural heritage. However, globalization and standardization have led to a dominance of English in education, often at the expense of these local languages. No empirical research was conducted; instead, a review of existing literature and expert consultations provided insights into successful language preservation strategies. While no empirical evidence was available, this review suggests that integrating indigenous language teaching into the curriculum can be a viable strategy for preserving linguistic diversity in Nigerian schools. Educational policymakers should consider implementing bilingual education programmes and MTB-MLE models to support the preservation of indigenous languages in schools.