The Nigerian Army has ordered its personnel to learn the three major languages in the country by December 2018. It also advised prospective candidates to endeavour to learn the Nigerian languages other than their mother tongues to better stand the chance of being recruited or commissioned into the Nigerian Army.
According to the Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman, in a statement he highlighted that, the directive forms part of a new language policy in the army aimed at fostering unity, better communication with the populace and information gathering.
The Army, the study of both foreign and local languages is a worldwide practice among armies adding that officers and soldiers are being encouraged to be multi-lingual to help increase understanding between military personnel operating both abroad and at home.
The policy will help Army personnel to perform their duties professionally and to meet up with global best practice.
The statement also indicated that “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 invariably been given till December 2018 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. “
It added, “Before now, the Nigerian Army officially encouraged the learning of French, Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese and Swahili. The French language is an assessed subject in some career courses and examinations for Nigerian Army personnel.”
