(1990) Cultural Modelling Theory. It examines the goals of Nigeria’s National Language Policy, which advocates the use of the mother tongue in the early years of lower basic education. However, it has

been observed that the level of compliance with Nigeria’s new National Language Policy (2022) is uncertain.

This is because textbooks in different school subjects appear to be seen more in

English language, more than those in the local languages. The paper explores in depth how the African Storybook (ASb) initiative provides openly licensed picture storybooks in African languages to support

early literacy. ASb initiative functions not only as a catalyst in supporting Tiv literacy, but also demonstrates how this initiative aligns closely with the policy.

It was suggested that curriculum planners should immerse the African Storybooks in Tiv in the syllabus for beginner reading lessons and literature. Government and non-governmental organisations should launch a well-funded research institute to explore current opportunities in teaching practice and translate subject textbooks into indigenous languages. Teacher training institutions should integrate ASb resources into their teacher

training programmes.