FG Initiates Plan to Teach Mathematics in Yoruba Language
The Federal Government, through the National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), has initiated a program to teach mathematics in Yoruba. This effort began with a two-day training that gathered experts to discuss translating the primary 1-6 math curriculum into Yoruba and incorporating indigenous language into early-grade math education.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
The Federal Government, through the National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), has taken steps to introduce the teaching of mathematics in the Yoruba language. This initiative aims to revolutionize math education in Nigeria by incorporating indigenous languages into the learning process.
To kickstart this groundbreaking effort, NIEPA recently hosted a two-day training program focused on teaching mathematics using the Yoruba language and early-grade mathematics. According to a statement by NIEPA’s Media Officer, Bodunde Tenabe, the training brought together leading experts such as Dr. Kehinde Adenegan, Dr. Sulaymon Mohammad Raji, Dr. Tolu Omiyale, and Folajogun Akinkuowo. The experts led sessions covering various aspects, including the translation of the primary 1-6 mathematics curriculum into Yoruba.
Acting Director General of NIEPA, Dr. David Shofoyeke, described the training as the institute’s first public effort to use Yoruba for teaching mathematics to young learners. The program was conducted in partnership with the Yoruba Mathematics Class on YouTube. Dr. Shofoyeke highlighted that similar programs have already been implemented in northern Nigeria, where early grade reading and mathematics are taught in Hausa, adding, "Why can’t we embrace and sustain what we have in our own part of the world?"
The training also covered topics such as implementing mathematics in early-grade education, developing lesson plans in Yoruba, understanding the importance of indigenous languages in education, and supporting teachers in early-grade mathematics.
Dr. Kehinde Adenegan, one of the facilitators, integrated mathematics drama into his teaching approach and emphasized the need to utilize indigenous resources to improve classroom instruction. He stated, "It’s high time we leveraged our indigenous resources to enhance classroom instructions and make teaching-learning effective, with language choice being a crucial factor."
The workshop was designed to promote cultural relevance in mathematics education, improve students' understanding of mathematical concepts within their cultural context, support bilingual education programs integrating Yoruba language and culture, and empower educators to create inclusive and culturally responsive learning environments.
As Nigeria seeks to transform its educational landscape, NIEPA's initiative marks a significant step towards empowering learners while preserving cultural identity through the teaching of mathematics in the Yoruba language.
