Assessing the Effects of Currency Volatility on Language Education Programmes in Nigeria: Implementation and Sustainability Challenges

Abstract

Language education remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s cultural identity and socio-economic development. However, persistent currency volatility manifested through naira depreciation, high inflation, and foreign exchange instability poses significant challenges to the implementation and sustainability of suchprogrammes. This study explored the relationship between currency volatility and language education outcomes in Nigeria, focusing on programme funding, teacher retention, and resource availability. Employing a mixed-methods design, the study collected survey data from 350 respondents (teachers, administrators, and policymakers) and conducted 25 semi-structured interviews across five states. Descriptive statistics, regression modelling, and thematic analysis were used to analyze the data. Findings revealed that currency volatility significantly undermines programme sustainability, with teacher salary instability and import-dependent instructional resources being key stress points. However, stable government funding was found to mitigate some adverse effects. The study concluded that without structural reforms to insulate education financing from macroeconomic instability, Nigeria risks further deterioration of language education quality. It recommended budget stabilization mechanisms, local resource production, inflation-indexed teacher salaries, and strategic use of digital platforms to reduce foreign exchange exposure.