Bayero University Kano translates science textbooks into Hausa

Bayero University Kano (BUK) has translated Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics textbooks into Hausa. This project aims to improve science education for Hausa-speaking students, making learning easier and more engaging. Eight textbooks were translated under the leadership of Professor Liyu Mu’azu, with plans to expand to other subjects and educational levels. The initiative has received positive feedback from educators and the community, highlighting its potential to enhance STEM education in Nigeria. Despite its success, the project still seeks financial support from government and private organizations to ensure wider distribution and impact.

Project Details

The translation initiative covers eight key textbooks in the fields of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. According to Professor Liyu Mu’azu, who led the translation team, this effort is designed to support students who find it challenging to learn in English, Nigeria’s official language​.The primary objective of this project is to simplify science education for Hausa-speaking students. The use of their mother tongue is expected to make learning more intuitive and engaging. Studies have shown that students grasp complex concepts more easily when taught in their native language. This initiative is anticipated to attract more students to science courses, thereby fostering a greater interest in STEM fields within the Hausa-speaking regions​

Future Plans

BUK plans to expand this project to include more subjects in the future. Discussions are already underway to begin translating textbooks in other fields, such as Biology and Geography. Additionally, there are plans to introduce similar projects at the primary and secondary education levels, further embedding the use of Hausa in teaching foundational science concepts​.The translation project has been well-received by educators and the community. Gimba Kakanda, a Nigerian writer, described it as a “welcome development,” emphasizing its potential to localize and domesticate science and technology education​ ​. The move aligns with educational practices in developed countries, where instruction in the mother tongue has proven to be highly effective.

Bayero University Kano (BUK) has translated Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics textbooks into Hausa to enhance science education for Hausa-speaking students, making learning more intuitive and engaging

Keeping up with lecture

Community and Expert Reactions 

 Despite its promising start, the project has not yet received substantial financial support from government or private organizations. BUK is currently engaging with various stakeholders, including state governments in the North-East and North-West regions, to secure funding for mass production and distribution of the translated textbooks. The goal is to ensure that these resources are widely available to students across Hausa-speaking states like Kebbi, Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, and Kaduna.

The translation of science textbooks into Hausa by Bayero University Kano is a significant step towards improving science education in Nigeria. By making these subjects more accessible to Hausa-speaking students, BUK is paving the way for a more inclusive and effective educational system, ultimately contributing to the nation’s development.