Author: The Nation

The chairman, Board of Trustees, Trinity Group, Pastor Samuel Olatunji, Trinity Group of Schools, Ofada, Ogun State, has faulted the federal government’s recent decision to remove the use of mother tongue as a medium of instruction in schools, stating that the policy fails to address the real crisis facing Nigeria’s education sector.

He spoke during an interview with The Nation at a press conference held at Trinity International College, Ofada, as part of activities marking the institution’s 30th anniversary celebration.

Reacting to the FG’s position that many pupils are failing English Language and therefore require stricter English-only instruction, the Chairman said government policymakers are “looking at the wrong problem from the wrong perspective.”

According to him, the crisis in students’ poor performance has nothing to do with the mother tongue.

“In the past, when education was what it should be, when teachers were well-trained, when government provided facilities, when the curriculum was excellent, and when homes were committed to learning, children excelled in English — even while speaking their mother tongue,” he argued. So it is not the mother tongue that is making children fail English. The entire system has collapsed.”

He warned against policies that undermine indigenous languages, describing such attempts as “murdering our mother tongue,” and urged the government to protect cultural heritage while strengthening English as Nigeria’s official language.

The educationist lamented the quality of graduates produced in recent years, saying many university graduates now struggle to write correct English.

“Primary school children in good schools write better than many graduates today — no exaggeration,” he said.

“The challenge in English is a challenge in the whole education system. Everything has gone down.”

He noted that children are capable of learning multiple languages simultaneously, insisting that the real solution lies in holistic education reform, not language suppression.

Speaking on curriculum development, he emphasised the need for a clearly defined set of outcomes at every stage of schooling.

“What should a child know intellectually, emotionally, in character, in entrepreneurship? What skills, attitudes, and capabilities should a child have after primary school, secondary school, or university?” he asked.

He insisted that the curriculum must reflect modern realities and be driven by teachers who are motivated, well-equipped, and professionally respected.

Citing some Western countries where honour e called for a societal shift that restores dignity to the teaching profession.

“When teachers are trained, equipped, respected, and rewarded, they will be proud of their career and deliver quality learning,” he said.

Responding to the Minister of Education’s recent announcement that vocational training centres will now be tuition-free, he described it as a welcome development but questioned its sustainability.

“It must go beyond grammar and announcements. Are the facilities in good condition? Are the instructors competent? What is the strategy to ensure it works?” he queried.

The Chairman further reaffirmed Trinity International College’s commitment to providing high-quality education to families seeking academic excellence and character formation.

“We are constantly evaluating our strategies, our practices, our outcomes. We want to ensure our children — and every child who passes through this college — receives the best education possible,” he said.

Earlier, the Director of Education, Mrs. O.R. Adeyemo, delivered a welcome address highlighting the institution’s 30-year journey of academic excellence, Christian values, and global achievements.

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She listed several academic milestones, including: 2024/2025 ICAN FAME Southwest Championship 4. 0% of students scored above 300 in the 2025 UTME. Outstanding IGCSE results — with students emerging as top in Nigeria and Top in the World. SAT scores as high as 1580/1600. Winners of the 2025 Ogun State Road Safety Quiz and Debate and representatives at World Science Olympiads across multiple continents.

Adeyemo described the anniversary theme, “A Legacy of Excellence: 30 Years of Learning, Leadership, and Lifelong Connections,” as a testament to God’s faithfulness and the college’s commitment to raising global citizens with strong moral and Christian values.

The Chairman concluded by reaffirming Trinity International College’s commitment to providing high-quality education to families seeking academic excellence and character formation.”

“We are constantly evaluating our strategies, our practices, our outcomes. We want to ensure our children — and every child who passes through this college — receives the best education possible,” he said.

The week-long 30th anniversary celebration continues with a series of events leading to a grand Thanksgiving and Awards Service.