[lg policy] Nigeria National Language Policy Development Strategy
Harold Schiffman
hfsclpp at GMAIL.COM
Sun Jun 6 19:19:19 UTC 2010
Nigeria National Language Policy Development Strategy
for the Federal Republic of Nigeria
(and possibly ECOWAS)
Proposal by: Consultancy Support Services (CS2) Limited
info at consultancyss.com or cs2 at officeliveusers.com
Introduction:
In a presentation on 11 December 2008, at the launching of the
Microsoft Language Localisation Program (LLP) glossary, the Honourable
Minister of Education, indicated that Nigeria has no substantive
Language policy. This document serves to address this gap by proposing
a process for the development of a National Language Policy for
Nigeria.
During the IDLELO 4 Conference held in Accra, Ghana, from 17th to 21st
May, 2010 it was noted that Open Source options provide Africa with
great flexibility in localising indigenous languages on Computer based
platforms.
On Tuesday, 01 June 2010 we had an inaugural meeting with the
Honourable Minister of Education, hosted by the Nigerian Educational
Research and Development Council (NERDC), to kick start the
development of a Nigeria National Language Policy.
A Policy is a deliberate plan of action to guide decisions and achieve
rational outcome(s). Polices often lead to the advancement of viable
Standards which in turn facilitate the development of implementable
Procedures.
We can, and should, leverage the potentially positive role of
technology in conserving and enhancing our indigenous languages. We
should not be looking at preservation of our languages per-se, but
conserving and pushing them forward within the milieu of other
competing languages. We must give our languages a fighting chance
against the ongoing onslaught of dominating global languages
It is of note that:
The world has much good to learn from us, as we learn from the world;
It is not enough for us as a nation, sub-region or region, to just
take useful information and values from the world, we must contribute
our positive and constructive knowledge and values to the world;
We must use information communications technologies to develop and
promote positive indigenous content in all ramifications;
Proper utilization of information communications technologies will be
crucial to the survival of our heritage, dialects, languages,
cultures, value systems, and collective memory/ history which will
otherwise be subsumed, in both physical and cyber space, by the more
dominant languages and cultures of the world
Information communications technologies are powerful double edged
swords that can cut either way depending on how deftly we handle them;
Government can at times be slow in its responses when technologies are
pushing matters forward at an increasingly frenetic pace. We may at
times, have to proceed anyway and let government policy catch up at
some later point in time.
It is therefore imperative that we:
Keep abreast of the possibilities of leveraging information
communications technologies in our language localisation efforts;
Are regional e.g. Africa (AU) and West Africa (ECOWAS) in our outlook
as challenges, and possibly potential solutions, are similar across
the aforementioned regions;
Carry our compatriots in the Diaspora along as they need to work with
us to conserve our languages/ culture/ heritage as they may have the
additional exposure to suggest innovative initiatives and enlightened
self interest to pass their language and values to their progeny;
Please find below some ideas and suggestions on how it should proceed.
Key Steps developing a National Language Policy for Nigeria
Get the Executive "Power" Champion onboard. In this case it is the
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan through Honourable Minister of
Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu A. Rufai, as his proxy. ECOWAS equivalents
as needed.
Understand the Context
Define Vision
Define Mission
Outline Objectives
Define Terms of Reference (TOR)
Define Methodology:
ID Stakeholders
Solicit Memoranda and/ or Embark on Missions to constituencies,
Validation processes
Define Timelines
Costs/ Budget
Others as defined by the situation/ circumstances?
Context:
National Context:
Constitutional limitations such as States rights e.g. Primary/ basic
education; the balance of Power between and within the Levels and
Tiers of Government;
Existing Laws;
Existing Policies such as the National Education Policy National IT
Policy and proposed ICT in Education Policy;
Existing Language delivery structures particularly Education MDAs;
National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS);
Globalization and public and private sector funding opportunities;
Existing Cultures, thinking and methodologies;
National Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats.
Multilateral Context:
African Union (AU), New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD)
and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) protocols
and multilateral agreements;
Global commitments & development partners such as UNICEF and UNESCO;
Millennium Development Goals (MDGs);
Education for All (EFA).
Vision:
National Vision: The Vision of the National Language Policy for
Nigeria must be firmly rooted in the National Vision 202020 which is
to make Nigeria one of the 20 economic leaders of the world by year
2020.
Government Vision for Education: Government has articulated its vision
for Education that is complimentary to the National Vision:
This administration envisages two-fold reforms in the educational
sector will ensure firstly the minimum acceptable international
standards of education for all;
With that achieved, a strategic educational development plan will
ensure excellence in both the tutoring and learning of skills in
science and technology by students who will be seen as the future
innovators and industrialists of Nigeria;
This reform will be achieved through massive injection into the
Education sector.
Mission and Objectives:
The Mission and objective of proposed National Language Policy for
Nigeria must be rooted in the Administrations Seven Plus Two, Point
Agenda to Transform Nigeria:
Seven Major Issues:
Power and Energy;
Food Security and Agriculture;
Wealth Creation and Employment;
Mass Transportation;
Land Reform;
Security;
Qualitative and Functional Education.
Plus Two Special Interest Issues.
Niger Delta;
Disadvantaged Groups.
Terms of Reference (TOR):
The following TOR are provisional and subject to modification and
approval by the Honourable Minister of Education. They include:
Background Research and Desktop Documentation Review of Language in
Education framework;
Assessment of current and proposed Education, IT Policies and Language
Policies as well as Nigeria's aspirations in line with global Language
in Education trends;
Understanding of FM Education mandate and current vision;
Meeting with stakeholders;
Review existing organizational and stakeholder baseline studies/ needs
assessment as needed;
Missions to 6 selected states in each of the geo-political zones;
Language Process Mapping;
Plan and execute meetings with stakeholders;
Development of final Draft;
Stakeholder review of final draft and adjustments prior to acceptance
by Government through the Federal Ministry of Education;
Submit report of process and final draft within 14 weeks.
Methodology
The methodology will consist of interactions with stakeholders:
Identification of stakeholders. Appendix I attached details the
following stakeholders matrix:
List Specific Role Players and Stakeholders;
Stakeholder group such as Private sector, media, civil society,
academia, government, donors, consumer groups and unions, regional
organizations, other;
What role are they playing now?
What role should they play in future?
How do you/we plan to engage /influence them?
Solicitation of Memoranda from interested parties and the public.
Missions to representative stakeholder institutions or groups.
Validation of the data and information gathered from the interactive
and recursive processes.
Timelines
Appendix II attached, details the provisional timelines for the
drafting of a National Language Policy for Nigeria within 14 weeks.
Costs/ Budget
Appendix III attached, details the provisional Costs/ Budget for the
drafting of a National Language Policy for Nigeria within 14 weeks.
Additional Components/ Activities
The Honourable Minister may wish to suggest additional components or
activities as deemed fit as defined by the situation/ circumstances?
Appendix I: Stakeholders Matrix
Status of Language policy initiatives
Past:
Current:
Planned:
Comment on policy processes
Transparency:
Speed /timelines:
Levels of participation and consultation:
Implementation capacity:
Political will:
Positive aspects:
Negative aspects:
What are the Policy Issues?
List of policy issues (See Issues Mapping Table)
Identify the 2-3 most important policy issues, as agreed by civil
society, private sector and media, on which you will be focusing in
your National Language Policy. Give your motivation for why you would
focus on these issues.
The main policy issues that we will be focusing on are:
The main focus for our policy development process would be on National
Language Policy for Nigeria as a tool for addressing the developmental
challenges in line Governments Vision and Agenda using the following
as the vehicle for its achievement:
Capacity building: The capacity required both at the strategic and
implementation levels are low.
Harmonization, collaboration and convergence: A lot of different
initiatives are ongoing which most of the time translate to
duplication of efforts with the little resources available not
efficiently utilized. Harmonization, collaboration and convergence
will ensure cohesion in the sector and maximum utilization of
resources.
Local content development and dissemination: This will enable us
preserve and showcase Nigeria's heritage, talents and also provide to
Nigerian's and the world at large, the much needed data and
information.
Role Players and Stakeholders. Some comments on completing the table below:
Think through all the stakeholder groups that would be important to
draw into National Language Policy for Nigeria development processes
e.g. private sector, media, civil society, academia, government,
donors, consumer groups and unions, regional organizations as well as
potentially others.
When listing stakeholders be as specific as possible – i.e. name the
specific individuals within the organization you want to work with
where possible.
In terms of role – please specify whether these are people you want to
engage directly in the policy development process or want to influence
through your work.
NOTE: The stakeholder list below is NOT exhaustive PLEASE ADD more
stakeholder groups to the list below.
S/N
List Specific Role Players and Stakeholders
Stakeholder group: (Private sector, media, civil society, academia,
government, donors, consumer groups and unions, regional
organizations, other)
What role are they playing now?
What role should they play in future?
How do you plan to engage/ influence them?
1
The Presidency: HE President Goodluck Jonathan, Chief of Staff and SA
Femi Ajayi
Government
.
.
.
2
Senate
Government
.
.
.
3
Federal House of Representatives Hon. Abike Dabiri
Government
.
.
.
4
Federal Ministry of Education: HE Prof. (Mrs) Ruqayyatu A. Rufai
Government
.
.
.
5
Federal Ministry of Culture, Tourism & National Orientation: HE
Abubakar Sadiq A. Mohammed – Involve him
Government
.
.
.
6
Federal Ministry of Information & Communications - HE Prof. Dora
Akunyili and Labaran Maku – Involve them
Government
.
.
.
7
Federal Ministry of Science & Technology HE Prof. Muhammed K. Abubakar
Government
.
.
.
8
Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Diaspora) HE Henry Odein
Ajumogobia and Dr. Aliyu Idi Hong
Government
.
.
.
9
Federal Ministry of Sports and Social Development HE Ibrahim Isa Bio
Government
.
.
.
10
Federal Ministry of Women Affairs HE Iyom Josephine Anenih
Government
.
.
.
11
State Ministries of Culture & Tourism &/ or State Councils of Arts and Culture
Government
.
.
.
12
Local Government
Government
.
.
.
13
SMEDAN: Youth empowerment schemes
Government
.
.
.
14
National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) – Charged
with implementing the IT Policy (Dr. Cleopas Angaye – Involve him)
Government
.
.
.
15
Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) - Charged with implementing
the Telecommunication Policy/ Telecoms Regulator
Government
.
.
.
16
Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) – Electronic Media/ Television
and Radio Regulator; DG, Engr Bolarinwa
Government
.
.
.
17
Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) –Intellectual Property
Government
.
.
.
18
National Planning Commission (NPC)
Government
.
.
.
19
National Library of Nigeria (NLN) (Dr. Linus Ikpahindi – Involve him)
Government
.
.
.
20
Traditional Rulers and their ruling councils
Government
.
.
.
21
Diaspora Groups
Civil Society/ NGO
.
.
.
22
Faith based leaders and organisations
Civil Society/ NGO
.
.
.
23
Ethnic Organisations
Civil Society/ NGO
.
.
.
24
Diaspora groups
Civil Society/ NGO
.
.
.
25
Youth Groups particularly student based groups
Civil Society/ NGO
.
.
.
26
National Parent Teachers Associations
Civil Society/ NGO
.
.
.
27
Education oriented NGO e.g. LEAP Africa
Civil Society/ NGO
.
.
.
28
Fantusam Foundation (John Dada)
Civil Society/ NGO
.
.
.
29
ActionAid International Nigeria (involve them)
Civil Society/ NGO
.
.
.
30
African Centre for Leadership Strategy & Development Dr Otive
Ogbuzor- (involve him)
Civil Society/ NGO
.
.
.
31
Nigerian Consultative Forum Team (list already submitted)
Civil Society/ NGO
.
.
.
32
24 CSOs from the 6 geo-political zones
Civil Society/ NGO
.
.
.
33
Nigeria ICT Partnership for HEI (Dr Aminu Ibrahim)
Civil Society/ NGO
.
.
.
34
National Universities Commission (NUC)/ Universities (Prof. Okojie)
Education Sector/ Academia
.
.
.
35
National Board for Technical Education (NBTE)/ Mono and Polytechnics
Education Sector/ Academia
.
.
.
36
National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE)/ Colleges of
Education; ES Prof. Junaid
Education Sector/ Academia
.
.
.
37
Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Dr. Modibbo
Education Sector/ Academia
.
.
.
38
National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Prof. Jegede
Education Sector/ Academia
.
.
.
39
Education Trust Fund (ETF); ES, Prof. Mahmood
Education Sector/ Academia
.
.
.
40
Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF)
Education Sector/ Academia
.
.
.
41
National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC)
Education Sector/ Academia
.
.
.
42
National Inst. For Nigerian Languages
Education Sector/ Academia
.
.
.
43
National Mathematical Centre
Education Sector/ Academia
.
.
.
44
Nigerian Television Authority (Ayinde Soaga – Involve him)
Media
.
.
.
45
African Independent Television (Bayero Agabi – Involve him)
Media
.
.
.
46
Minaj Broadcasting International (Ms. Uju Okagbue-Involve her)
Media
.
.
.
47
ThisDay News Papers (Etim Emisim- Involve him)
Media
.
.
.
48
Vanguard News papers
Media
.
.
.
49
Daily Trust
Media
.
.
.
50
Techtimes online News (Shina Badru- Involve him)
Media
.
.
.
51
Punch (Johnah Iboma - Involve him)
Media
.
.
.
52
Capital FM
Media
.
.
.
53
Cool FM
Media
.
.
.
54
Radio Nigeria
Media
.
.
.
55
Nagarta Radio Kaduna
Media
.
.
.
56
140 million with in Nigeria's boarders
Nigerians
.
.
.
57
Millions more in the Diaspora such as the rest of Africa, Europe,
Middle East and Asia
Nigerians
.
.
.
58
3.5 Million Nigeria Diaspora in the USA alone
Nigerians
.
.
.
59
3 Million Nigeria Diaspora in the Europe
Nigerians
.
.
.
60
5,000 registered IT professionals in the USA
Nigerians
.
.
.
61
Nigerian linguistic Professionals
Nigerians
.
.
.
62
Corporate bodies in various sub-sectors
Private Sector
.
.
.
63
OMATEK, (Ms. Florence Seriki- Involve her) Zinnox (Leo Stan Ekeh),
Beta & UNITEC – PC Assemblers
Private Sector
.
.
.
64
MTN Nigeria, V-Networks, GlobaCom & M-Tel – GSM
Private Sector
.
.
.
65
15 Private Telecom Operators (PTO's)
Private Sector
.
.
.
66
ISP's e.g. Skannet, Linkserve, NITEL Internet et al
Private Sector
.
.
.
67
Microsoft, Google, Free and Open Source Software Foundation for
Africa - FOSSFA, HP, IBM – Multinationals
Private Sector
.
.
.
68
CyberSchuul/ ATCON Titi Omo- Ettu- Involve him)
Private Sector
.
.
.
69
Financial Institutions (A few contact to get funding through)
Private Sector
.
.
.
70
Oil & Gas Industry (A few contact to get funding through)
Private Sector
.
.
.
71
Associations of Principals
Trade/ Professional Associations
.
.
.
72
Associations of Head teachers
Trade/ Professional Associations
.
.
.
73
Associations of Academics
Trade/ Professional Associations
.
.
.
74
Nigerian Computer Society (NCS)
Trade/ Professional Associations
.
.
.
75
Computer Professional Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN)
Trade/ Professional Associations
.
.
.
76
Internet Service Providers of Nigeria (ISPAN)/ ISP's
Trade/ Professional Associations
.
.
.
77
ITAN/ ISPON (Chris Uwaje)
Trade/ Professional Associations
.
.
.
78
Nigerian Internet Group (NIG)
Trade/ Professional Associations
.
.
.
79
Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE)
Trade/ Professional Associations
.
.
.
80
Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM)
Trade/ Professional Associations
.
.
.
81
Nigerian IT Professionals in the Americas (NITPA)/ Diaspora
Trade/ Professional Associations
.
.
.
82
Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN)
Trade/ Professional Associations
.
.
.
83
Nigerian Publishers Association
Trade/ Professional Associations
.
.
.
84
Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC)/ various labour unions
Trade/ Professional Associations
.
.
.
85
ACALAN: The African Union Agency on Human Languages.
Multilateral Agency
.
.
.
86
ECOWAS, treaty of ECOWAS Lagos 28 May, 1975 article 62c "promote the
learning and dissemination of a West African language as a factor in
Community integration."
Multilateral Agency
.
.
.
87
Dr. Lang Fafa Dampha (lfdampha at acalan.org) Senior Research and
Programme officer at ACALAN.
.
.
.
.
88
Nigeria Community Radio Coalition
Appendix II: Timelines.
: Costs/ Budget
Posted by AhA at 19:47
Labels: Advocacy, Science Technology and Innovation Policy
-http://ajijola.blogspot.com/2010/06/nigeria-national-language-policy_05.html-
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