Abstract:
This paper is a report of a study of how (he mother tongue-medium policy is hang implemented in the lower primary classes. The study involved teachers in both public and privately owned primary schools. A simple questionnaire was used in coiled information regarding the use or otherwise of the mother tongue us u medium of instruction and the ultimate attainment of functional and relevant literacy at the primary school level. Information collected showed that only a negligible percentage o/ the teachers use the mother tongue as a medium of instruction in the lower primary classes. Majority of the teachers, especially in the privately owned schools, are compelled by the school authorities to use English Language. Most of the teachers in the public schools use the bilingual medium Suggestion are therefore offered on the need to enforce at the lower primary classes, the use of the mother-tongue or the language of the immediate environment in the lower primary classes so as to foster efficient learning and functional literacy in the primary schools. A tilt towards u more pedagogical approach is also recommended on the issue of medium of teaching in the lower primary classes