In a bold move to enhance education and preserve cultural identity, the Nigerian government has introduced an initiative to teach mathematics in the Yoruba language.
This significant effort, driven by the National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), marks a new chapter in Nigeria’s educational system.
For many years, Nigeria has faced challenges in improving students’ understanding of mathematics, especially at the primary level.
The introduction of teaching mathematics in the Yoruba language aims to address these challenges by making learning more accessible to children in South-Western Nigeria.
The government’s initiative is seen as a way to empower students by teaching them in a language they understand best.
The two-day training, which recently took place, was part of this revolutionary approach.
Experts from across the country gathered to share their insights on how mathematics can be taught using indigenous languages.
NIEPA’s Media Officer, Bodunde Tenabe, explained that the training aimed to integrate the Yoruba language into early-grade mathematics education.
“This is a bold step in improving mathematics education,” Tenabe said, highlighting the importance of cultural relevance in the learning process.
The training brought together experts such as Dr. Kehinde Adenegan, Dr. Sulaymon Mohammad Raji, Dr. Tolu Omiyale, and Folajogun Akinkuowo.
These scholars delivered impactful sessions on various topics, including the translation of the primary 1-6 mathematics curriculum into Yoruba.
For the first time in history, mathematics teachers are being trained on how to effectively teach using the Yoruba language.
Dr. David Shofoyeke, acting Director General of NIEPA, described the event as a major breakthrough.
He emphasized that similar approaches have been used in northern Nigeria, where the Hausa language is utilized in early-grade education.
“It’s time we embraced and sustained what we have in our own part of the world,” Shofoyeke said, stressing the importance of applying this model in the South-West.
Dr. Kehinde Adenegan, one of the key figures behind this initiative, has taken the creative approach of incorporating drama into mathematics education.
He explained that the use of indigenous languages could transform the way students perceive and understand mathematical concepts.
“It’s high time we leveraged our indigenous resources to enhance classroom instructions and make teaching-learning effective,” Adenegan said.
He stressed that the choice of language plays a vital role in ensuring that students grasp the lessons they are being taught.
By using Yoruba, the government hopes that children will better relate to the subject, thus improving their overall performance in mathematics.
The program, which partners with the popular *Yoruba Mathematics Class* on YouTube, is designed to promote bilingual education.
This initiative not only supports teaching mathematics in Yoruba but also encourages students to appreciate their cultural context.
Experts believe that this effort will empower educators to create more inclusive and culturally responsive learning environments.
The goal is to ensure that mathematics is not just seen as a subject but as a means to connect students with their culture.
As NIEPA pointed out, integrating the Yoruba language into education is about more than just teaching; it’s about making students proud of their heritage.
For years, the northern part of Nigeria has successfully used the Hausa language to teach subjects like reading and mathematics.
Now, the South-West is following suit, and this move could have a transformative effect on the region’s education system.
