Abstract:
The study was aimed at investigating challenges and opportunities of using Somali language
as medium of instruction in selected public primary schools of Jigjiga City Administration.
The method employed in the study was a descriptive survey. Questionnaires, interview guides
and document analysis were used as data gathering instruments. The subjects of the study
included 65 teachers, 114 students, 8 principals and vice principals, 8 PTA members,
7education leaders. Thus, the total sample size was 202, selected by using stratified,
available, purposive and systematic random sampling technique. The data were analyzed
using descriptive and inferential statistics such as percentage, frequency, mean standard
deviation, chi-square and Anova by using SPSS V.16.0. The data gathered through interview,
open ended questionnaire and document analysis were analyzed through thematization and
conceptualization along with data from questionnaire. The findings of the study showed that
using Somali medium of instruction caused more challenges in the primary schools.
According the perception of the students when their grade level increases their perception
shifts and they prefer other than Somali languages. Somali language Primary schools lack
enough competitive teachers. Moreover, there was shortage of supplementary materials. The
findings indicated the average class size of the schools was overcrowded and unorganized.
The findings revealed Teachers who were teaching with Somali medium were not proficient in
the Somali language. Finally it was recommended that Education leaders have to prepare
strategies to satisfy the different stakeholders’ perception and remedial remove negative
perception. The government must develop Somali medium of instruction. Regional education
bureau should prepare educational supplementary materials in mother tongue. Regional
education bureau have to build more schools in overcrowded areas. The government should
give capacity building and trainings to the mother-tongue teachers.
