A Nigerian mathematics teacher, Kayode Adewale, known for instructing in the Ijebu dialect, has vowed to continue championing indigenous language learning despite not making the final 10 of the Global Teacher Prize. The award, organised by the Varkey Foundation, recognises outstanding educators worldwide, with a $1 million reward for the winner. Adewale, who had gained national attention for his innovative approach, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support he received from Nigerians, particularly Ogun State governor Dapo Abiodun. While he acknowledged disappointment at missing out on the final stage, he remains steadfast in his mission to transform Education in Nigeria.
Adewale had hoped that securing the prize would provide vital funding for his Technology-Assisted Instructional Management Solution, an initiative designed to enable students to learn in their preferred Nigerian language. He also planned to expand his Transformation1090 Project, which equips teachers with innovative tools and training to improve classroom instruction. However, with the ₦5 million grant from Governor Abiodun, he intends to forge ahead, announcing that the next phase of training for Transformation1090 will commence in February. Despite the setback, he called on corporate bodies and individuals to support his vision, arguing that culturally relevant Pedagogy has the potential to reshape Nigeria’s education system.
Indigenous languages can strengthen learning in Nigeria.
Beyond the personal implications, Adewale’s advocacy underscores a fundamental challenge in Nigeria’s education sector: language barriers that hinder learning. While English remains the primary medium of instruction, many students struggle due to limited exposure at home. Research has shown that children learn faster and develop stronger cognitive skills when taught in their native languages during formative years. Adewale’s work aligns with a growing movement that seeks to decolonise education by integrating indigenous languages into the curriculum, ensuring that students grasp complex subjects more effectively.
Yet, the broader education system in Nigeria remains resistant to such change, often prioritising policies that cater to global standards over local realities. The reluctance to embrace multilingual education stems from concerns about standardisation, assessment difficulties, and perceived limitations in global competitiveness. However, nations like Finland and China have demonstrated that incorporating native languages into learning does not impede progress but rather enhances students’ ability to master additional languages. Adewale’s persistence challenges Nigeria’s policymakers to rethink outdated approaches and adopt solutions that align with the country’s diverse linguistic landscape.
Government and private sector collaboration will strengthen education reform.
Moreover, his journey also highlights the critical role of government and Private Sector collaboration in driving educational reform. While his initiative has received commendable support from the Ogun State government, sustained impact requires larger systemic investment. Corporate organisations, philanthropic foundations, and development agencies must recognise the transformative potential of initiatives like Adewale’s and contribute towards scaling them. Strengthening teacher training, developing indigenous language teaching resources, and integrating digital tools into classrooms could significantly improve learning outcomes nationwide.
Furthermore, Adewale’s experience with the Global Teacher Prize also sheds light on the need for local recognition and funding mechanisms to support exceptional educators. Relying on international accolades alone limits the progress of homegrown solutions. Establishing national teaching fellowships, funding innovative education projects, and celebrating teachers who drive change can create an enabling environment for education pioneers to thrive. Adewale’s story is proof that the passion of a single teacher can spark a movement, but collective action is needed to sustain meaningful progress.
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Ultimately, Adewale’s resilience in the face of disappointment is a testament to the power of vision and determination. While the Global Teacher Prize would have accelerated his goals, Adewale’s commitment to inclusive and culturally relevant education remains unwavering. His story serves as both an inspiration and a challenge: an inspiration for fellow educators pushing boundaries and a challenge for stakeholders to rise to the occasion and actively support transformative ideas that could redefine Nigeria’s education system.