How not to embark on a bilingual education policy in a developing nation: The case of Nigeria

Abstract

This paper traces the origin and development of bilingual education in Nigeria. Necessary facilities for a successful implementation of a bilingual education policy in a developing country such as Nigeria are discussed. The paper argues that, although there was a genuine need for Nigeria to embark on a bilingual education policy in the first place, the policy adopted was, however, too ambitious and unrealistic. It is further argued that, due to lack of foresight and inadequate planning, certain fundamental issues were ignored which were essential for the policy to succeed. Consequently, the difficulties being experienced now with its implementation are only a prelude to a predictable total demise of the policy.