UNIZIK Collaborates with Odinala Cultural Heritage Foundation to Develop STEM Curriculum in Igbo Language

In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at revitalizing indigenous languages and fostering innovation in education, the management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka (UNIZIK) has joined hands with the Odinala Cultural Heritage Foundation (OCHE) to launch a committee tasked with developing a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) curriculum using the Igbo language as the medium of instruction and evaluation. The collaboration seeks to extend across schools in the South East region of Nigeria.

During the inauguration ceremony held at the Asuu-unizik Secretariat, Professor Charles Esimone, the Vice Chancellor of UNIZIK, emphasized the significance of incorporating mother tongue into modern technology education. He lauded the foundation for pioneering this initiative and urged committee members to approach their task with dedication and diligence.

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Okoro Chinedum Benedict, the Executive Director of OCHIE Igbo STEM School, outlined the project's objectives, aiming to cultivate a new generation of Igbo-speaking children proficient in innovation, conceptualization, invention, and scientific interpretation. Benedict further revealed plans for virtual enrollment, enabling Igbo children from around the world to participate in the program and surmount educational barriers associated with STEM learning in primary and secondary schools.

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In a compelling keynote address titled 'The Potentials of Mainstreaming Igbo as the Language of Instruction and Evaluation for STEM in Igboland,' Professor Chinedu Nebo, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria Nsukka, advocated for the integration of Igbo language into academic curricula across universities in the South East region. Nebo emphasized the importance of making Igbo language mandatory for students and proposed its adoption as a prerequisite for government employment within the region.

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Representatives from various organizations including the National President of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwanyawu, echoed the sentiment, affirming the cultural and educational benefits of embracing indigenous languages in academic settings.

The collaboration between UNIZIK and OCHE marks a significant step towards preserving cultural heritage while promoting scientific advancement and inclusivity in education. With a shared vision to empower future generations with linguistic and technological proficiency, this initiative sets a precedent for innovative educational practices nationwide.