University of Ibadan Launches KoEde Mobile App to Promote Yoruba Language

The University of Ibadan (UI) has taken a pioneering step in cultural and technological innovation with the launch of the KoEde Mobile Application, designed to teach the Yoruba language to the digital generation.

The launch coincided with the 2nd Annual Symposium of the Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) for Development Association of Computer Machinery, convened by the Faculty of Computing, University of Ibadan, in collaboration with Bowen University, Iwo, and supported by the Special Interest Group in Computer Human Interaction.

Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, Professor Olumuyiwa Omobowale, Director of Special Duties, Office of the Vice-Chancellor, emphasised that HCI now transcends mere computation, serving as a mediator of social interactions, cultural expression, and educational engagement. He described KoEde as a fusion of cutting-edge HCI principles with cultural preservation, demonstrating how technology can safeguard heritage while making learning engaging for contemporary learners.

The Chairman of the occasion, Professor Abel Idowu Olayinka, FAS, 12th Vice-Chancellor of UI, praised the development team for their resilience and highlighted KoEde as a remarkable problem-solving initiative that bridges the gap between modern technology and language preservation. Similarly, Professor Adenike Osofisan, Africa’s first female Professor of Computer Studies, commended the app for its potential in sustaining indigenous language education.

In a goodwill message, Professor J.O. Babalola, FAS, FRSC, Vice-Chancellor of Bowen University, stressed that language is not just a means of communication but a core part of identity, urging the team to continue advancing the project.

The Principal Investigator, Dr. Aderonke B. Sakpere, explained that KoEde is an interactive mobile platform leveraging gamification and constructive pedagogy to make learning Yoruba enjoyable. The app includes puzzles, sentence formation, and touch-and-drag exercises across beginner, intermediate, and expert levels, offering users a structured, game-based learning experience. The project was developed in collaboration with the Yoruba Language Centre, University of Ibadan, and funded by Klaus Tschira Stiftung, a German organisation.

Keynote addresses at the symposium were delivered by Dr. Obinna Anya, Senior UX Researcher at Google, and Mr. Marvellous Akande, Head of Product Design at Mainstack, Lagos, underscoring the app’s innovative integration of user experience principles and educational design.

The initiative marks another milestone in UI’s commitment to leveraging technology for cultural preservation, education, and societal impact.