The Nigerian Army has directed all its officers and men to
immediately commence the learning of the three major Nigerian languages.
A statement by army spokesperson, Sani Usman, on Wednesday morning
said all personnel are expected to be proficient in Hausa, Igbo, and
Yoruba by December 2018.
Mr. Usman, a brigadier general, said the directive is part of the new language policy by the army.
Read full statement below.
NIGERIAN ARMY INTRODUCES NEW LANGUAGE POLICY FOR OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS
1. The Nigerian Army has introduced a new Language Policy. The study
of foreign and local languages is world-wide practice among armies, in
which officers and soldiers are encouraged to be multi-lingual. The
Policy will foster espirit-de-corps and better communication with the
populace to enhance information gathering, civil-military relations,
increase understanding between militaries when operating abroad and
assist officers and soldiers to perform their duties professionally.
2. It is to be noted that English remains the official language in
the Nigerian Army. Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa languages could be used during
Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities or interrogation.
Therefore all Nigerian Army personnel have been given one year to learn
the three major Nigerian languages. Invariably, by December 2018, all
Nigerian Army personnel are expected to learn the three major Nigerian
languages. The standard of proficiency to be attained is the basic
level. Certificated proficiency level will attract Language Allowance.
3. The ability to speak the 3 major Nigerian languages will be an
added advantage to those applying for recruitment or commissioning into
the Nigerian Army. Therefore, prospective candidates are encouraged to
learn Nigerian languages other than their mother tongues.
4. Before now, the Nigerian Army officially encouraged the learning
of French, Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese and Swahili. French language is
an assessed subject in some career courses and examinations for Nigerian
Army personnel
.Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman
Director Army Public Relations