Teaching maths in indigenous language will advance Nigeria – OCHIE-Igbo

Date:

Share post:

Teaching science, maths in indigenous language will advance Nigeria scientifically – OCHIE Igbo

An Igbo group, Odinala Cultural Heritage Foundation (OCHIE Igbo), says that the teaching of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) using the mother tongue will advance Nigeria scientifically and technologically.

Mr Okoro Chinedum, Executive Director, OCHIE Igbo STEM school, made the ascertion in Awka on Thursday, to announce the inauguration of the committees for the development of the curriculum for STEM in Igbo language.

The OCHIE Igbo STEM Project is in collaboration with the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), Awka.

“Great minds have always argued that the security and future of every society lies with the education of the children.

“Being intentional about internalizing the culture, values and tradition of a people and marrying same with science, technology, engineering and mathematics is the secret of the white man.

“The OCHIE Igbo STEM Project
was conceived in 2021, as a benign search to harness the gains associated with teaching science, technology, engineering and mathematics in schools using the mother tongue.

“This is the framework that the Asian Tigers like Japan, Indian, China, Korean leveraged on to earn their deserved place in the world of science, innovation and information technology.

“If we do the same here, Nigeria will advance scientifically and technologically too,” he said.

Also, Prof. Charles Esimone Vice-Chancellor, NAU, said teaching STEM in indigenous language would help preserve the culture and identity of the nation.

“No nation can advance scientifically except that the mode of instruction is done in their indigenous language.

“You see the development in China, Europe and other advanced countries, check well, the mode of instruction is in their indigenous language.

“So, Igbo language is not an exception. It is an old, ancient and very powerful language. If we follow what other advance countries have done, we are going to make advancement as a nation,” he added.

Esimone said that the university was collaborating on the OCHIE Igbo STEM project because it had the best human resources and machinery to run and actualise the project.

He said after the resource persons had developed the curriculum and framework, it would kick off in NAU and later domesticated in other tertiary Institutions, secondary and primary schools in other states.

The Coordination Committee for the project would be led by Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), NAU, with Okoro Chinedum as the Committee’s Co Chairman.

spot_img

Related articles

2026: Nigerian U16-Basketball Team prepares for Youth Olympic Games

In a significant step toward the upcoming Youth Olympic Games in Dakar 2026, Nigeria's Under-16 female basketball team...

Ember months: FRSC launches awareness campaign in Ebonyi

Abakaliki, Nigeria - Launching its 2024 Ember months awareness campaign in Ebonyi on Wednesday, the Federal Road Safety...

FG, IFAD-VCDP train 12 youth on equipment fabrication, maintenance

Awka, Nigeria - The Federal Government, in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development, Value Chain Development...

Museum of West African Art Institute opens in Edo

Benin, Nigeria - The Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) was opened on Tuesday at a preview opening...