Reps to translate science textbooks into local languages

By Christiana Ekpa

The House of Representatives said it is working to translate basic science textbooks into major Nigerian languages.
The chairman of the House Committee on University Education, Abubakar Hassan Fulata, made this known when he received a delegation from the German parliament on Monday.
The German parliament delegation led by Kai Gehring, Chairman, Committee on Education Research and Technical Assessment, said the purpose of the visit was to let the Nigerian parliament know about the scholarship programmes of the German government for West Africa, and particularly for Nigerian students.
Gehring said that by 2025, selected students will join 4, 000 Nigerian students in Germany.
Fulata thanked Gehring, the parliament and the government of Germany for their partnership and assistance to Nigeria.
He noted that Nigeria has been in partnership with Germany over the years, adding that several projects in Nigeria were carried out by a German company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.
Fulata then disclosed that one of the agenda items of his committee is the translation of basic science textbooks into major Nigerian languages.
“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,” he said.
Fulata also urged the German government to establish a German language centre in Nigeria, like the French language centre and the Arabic language centre in Nigeria.