The federal government, through the National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), has initiated efforts to teach mathematics in Yoruba.
To facilitate this, the institute has launched a groundbreaking two-day training program focused on teaching mathematics in the Yoruba indigenous language and early grade mathematics.
NIEPA’s Media Officer, Bodunde Tenabe, stated that the training gathered esteemed experts, including Dr. Kehinde Adenegan, Dr. Sulaymon Mohammad Raji, Dr. Tolu Omiyale, and Folajogun Akinkuowo, who conducted informative sessions covering various topics, including an overview of translating the primary 1-6 mathematics curriculum into Yoruba.
Dr. David Shofoyeke, the acting Director General of NIEPA, stated that the training, conducted in collaboration with the Yoruba Mathematics Class on YouTube, represents NIEPA’s inaugural public training on using the Yoruba language to teach mathematics to early-grade students.
He noted that early grade reading (EGR) and early grade mathematics (EGMA) have been successfully implemented in northern Nigeria, where Hausa is used in schools. He questioned why Nigeria cannot adopt and maintain a similar approach in its own regions.
How The Training Went
The training also covered the implementation of early grade mathematics teaching, lesson planning for mathematics topics in Yoruba, the significance of indigenous languages in education, the role of language in teaching, understanding leadership in instruction, and supporting teachers in early grade mathematics.
Dr. Adenegan, who integrated drama into his mathematics teaching, stressed the importance of Nigerians utilizing their indigenous resources to improve classroom instruction, highlighting language choice as a vital element.
The workshop aims to promote cultural relevance and sensitivity in mathematics education, deepen students’ understanding and appreciation of mathematical concepts within their cultural contexts, support the development of bilingual education programs that incorporate Yoruba language and culture, and empower educators to create inclusive and culturally responsive learning environments.
As Nigeria seeks to reform its educational system, this innovative initiative by NIEPA paves the way for a transformative shift in math education, empowering students while preserving cultural identity.
