By Nura Bala Ajingi
A school teacher named Malam Ibrahim Danladi Makari has translated a Mathematics textbook from English to Hausa to help students in Northern Nigeria for better and easy understanding of the subject.
During an interview with our correspondent in Kano, Malam Ibrahim explained that he noticed many students struggle to understand Mathematics lessons when taught in English.
He said only a few students grasp the concepts, and those few usually have to re-explain the lessons to their classmates in Hausa after the teacher leaves.
Malam Ibrahim, who has taught in both Kaduna State and Ghana, said he discovered that teaching Mathematics in English contributes to poor understanding of the subject predominantly in Northern Nigeria.
He noted that in developed countries such as China, Malaysia, Indonesia, and India they have advanced in science, technology, and education because they teach in their native languages.
According to him, these countries have translated different fields of knowledge into their own languages to ensure deeper understanding — a step he believes Nigeria can also take.
He clarified that his aim is not to replace the official language (English) but rather to provide Hausa-translated textbooks that can help students study and revise lessons before or after class to improve their understanding.
After completing the translation of two Mathematics textbooks for Senior Secondary School (SS1 and SS2), Malam Ibrahim submitted them to education authorities in Kano and Kaduna States, as well as to Hausa language experts, who reviewed and approved them.
However, he said he is currently facing the challenge of finding sponsors or partners to help print and launch the books so that they can reach schools and bookshops, for the benefit of students across Northern Nigeria who are facing serious challenge with the English version.
Malam Ibrahim Makari appealed to the Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Ministry of Education, philanthropists and all patriotic citizens to support the initiative and help Northern students bridge the learning gap in Mathematics.
Malam Ibrahim Danladi Makari, who resides at Yankaba site of Kano said his door is open to collaboration with interested individuals or organizations for developing the Initiative.
For more information contact him on this number 08163386056 or through Nura Bala Ajingi of Kano state Radio corporation.
