Effect of Arabic Language As Medium of Instruction on Scientific & Technological Advancement In Nigeria and the Need for Mother-Tongue in Teaching and Learning

<p><em><span>This article examines how using Arabic as a medium of instruction affects Nigeria’s scientific and technological progress, and argues for the importance of mother-tongue education. Nigeria is highly multilingual, and historically Arabic played a key role in education and administration. However, today Arabic is largely confined to religious schools and is treated as a foreign subject. We review literature on language policy and educational outcomes, finding that teaching science in languages students understand enhances learning. Studies show that science taught in indigenous languages improves comprehension and engagement, whereas instruction in a non-native language can hinder understanding. In contrast, Arabic-medium programs in Nigeria still rely on English for general subjects, limiting their impact on STEM advancement. We conclude that emphasizing mother-tongue instruction in early science education (while maintaining English for advanced levels) could boost Nigeria’s innovation. </span></em></p>