The Nigerian House of Representatives has announced an initiative to translate basic science textbooks into major local languages. Abubakar Hassan Fulata, chairman of the House Committee on University Education, revealed this plan during a meeting with a German parliamentary delegation on Monday.
Fulata who stated the importance of the initiative, said “We have about 250 ethnic groups and languages in Nigeria. What we are seeking is to have basic science textbooks translated into about 10 major Nigerian languages. I was once a lecturer, and I know if students learn sciences in their mother tongue, there will be serious improvement in our educational system.”
The German delegation, led by Kai Gehring, Chairman of the Committee on Education Research and Technical Assessment, visited to discuss scholarship programs for West African students, particularly Nigerians. Gehring noted that by 2025, selected students will join 4,000 Nigerian students already studying in Germany.
Fulata expressed gratitude to Gehring and the German government for their ongoing partnership and assistance. He highlighted the long-standing cooperation between Nigeria and Germany, mentioning projects carried out by German companies like Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.
He also urged the German government to establish a German language center in Nigeria, similar to the existing French and Arabic language centers. This, he suggested, would further strengthen educational ties and cultural exchange between the two nations.
