The National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA) has initiated efforts to introduce the teaching of mathematics in Yoruba, aiming to revolutionize math education in Nigeria. As part of this move, the institute organized a groundbreaking two-day training focused on teaching early-grade mathematics in the Yoruba indigenous language.
Dr. David Shofoyeke, the Acting Director General of NIEPA, explained that the training was conducted in collaboration with Yoruba Mathematics Class, a YouTube-based platform, and marked the first public training by the institute on using Yoruba to teach mathematics to young students.
Shofoyeke emphasized that this approach mirrors similar efforts in northern Nigeria, where Hausa is used in early-grade classrooms. “Early grade reading (EGR) and early grade mathematics (EGMA) have been successfully implemented in the northern part of Nigeria, where Hausa is used in schools. So, why can’t we adopt and sustain this in our own region using Yoruba?” he questioned.
The training covered key areas such as the implementation of Yoruba in early-grade mathematics, lesson planning, the role of indigenous languages in education, and how to better support teachers in delivering early-grade math instruction.
One of the key speakers, Kehinde Adenegan, who integrates drama into his mathematics teaching methods, highlighted the importance of leveraging indigenous resources to improve classroom instruction. He noted, “It’s time we use our own languages to make teaching more effective. Language choice plays a critical role in the teaching-learning process.”
According to a statement by NIEPA’s media officer, Bodunde Tenabe, the workshop was designed to promote cultural relevance in math education, help students understand mathematical concepts within their cultural context, and foster the development of bilingual education programs that incorporate Yoruba language and culture. The training also aimed to equip educators with tools to create more inclusive and culturally responsive classrooms.
Several experts, including Dr. Kehinde Adenegan, Dr. Sulaymon Mohammad Raji, Dr. Tolu Omiyale, and Folajogun Akinkuowo, led the sessions, which featured discussions on a variety of topics. One of the highlights was an overview of the translation of the primary 1-6 mathematics curriculum into Yoruba.
