Nigerian troops: They have to proficienow

Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

Nigerian Army has mandated its officers to learn the three major Nigerian languages within a year in a newly introduced policy,  Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman, Director Army Public Relations said in a statement on Wednesday.

Under the new policy  Nigerian Army personnel have been given one year to learn the three major Nigerian languages of Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa.

“Invariably, by December 2018, all Nigerian Army personnel are expected to learn the three major Nigerian languages,” Usman said while emphasising that English will however remain the official langauage of the military personnnel.

“The study of foreign and local languages is world-wide practice among armies, in which officers and soldiers are encouraged to be multi-lingual.

“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.

According to the Army the new 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.

He added, “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. 

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 learnNigerian languages other than their mother tongues.

“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.”