Teaching Math in Yoruba language gets government backing

October 24, 2024

By Samuel Ogunsona

The Nigerian Government has launched an innovative initiative to teach mathematics in the Yoruba language, marking a significant shift in the country’s education system.

Through the National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), the federal government aims to revolutionize math education by utilizing the indigenous language.

A 2-day training program brought together experts Dr. Kehinde Adenegan, Dr. Sulaymon Mohammad Raji, Dr. Tolu Omiyale, and Folajogun Akinkuowo to share insights on teaching mathematics using Yoruba.

The training covered topics such as translating the primary 1-6 mathematics curriculum into Yoruba.

According to NIEPA’s Media Officer, Bodunde Tenabe, this pioneering effort is a crucial step towards making math education more accessible and culturally relevant.

The acting Director General of NIEPA, Dr. David Shofoyeke, emphasized that this initiative, in partnership with Yoruba Mathematics Class on YouTube, demonstrates NIEPA’s commitment to exploring new approaches to education.

He said, “Early grade reading (EGR) and early grade mathematics (EGMA) have been in operation in the northern part of Nigeria, where Hausa is being used in schools. So, why can’t we embrace and sustain what we have in our own part of the world?”

This move is backed by research suggesting that using indigenous languages can improve learning outcomes, particularly in math and science.