Folaranmi Ajayi
The Federal Government, through the National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration, NIEPA, has launched a new initiative to teach Mathematics in the Yoruba language to early-grade students. In a move to enhance learning and preserve cultural identity, NIEPA organized a two-day training for educators focused on using Yoruba as the medium for teaching primary school mathematics.
The training, according to a statement by NIEPA’s Media Officer Bodunde Tenabe, paraded subject experts including Dr. Kehinde Adenegan, Dr. Sulaymon Mohammad Raji, Dr. Tolu Omiyale, and Folajogun Akinkuowo, who offered insights into translating the primary Mathematics curriculum into Yoruba. Sessions covered a wide range of topics, such as creating culturally relevant content, bilingual education integration, and effective classroom instruction using indigenous languages.
NIEPA’s acting Director General, Dr. David Shofoyeke, highlighted that the initiative aligns with similar educational efforts in northern Nigeria, where Hausa is used in schools. He emphasized the importance of language in teaching Mathematics and supporting early-grade educators.
He said that part of the initiative’s objective was make Maths education culturally relevant, boost students’ comprehension, and create inclusive learning environments. According to Dr. Adenegan, the workshop underscores the necessity of leveraging indigenous resources for effective education, marking a significant shift towards bilingual education in Nigeria.
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