UNILORIN Professor Urges Mother-Tongue Teaching, Technology-Driven Learning

 

A Professor of Educational Technology at the University of Ilorin, Prof. Aderonke Kofo Soetan, has urged government at all levels, schools and education stakeholders to prioritise mother-tongue instruction and the effective use of instructional resources to unlock learners’ full potential in Nigeria’s education system.

Prof. Soetan made the call while delivering the 295th Inaugural Lecture of the University of Ilorin, titled “Unlocking Learning Potentials: The Right Language and Instructional Resources,” on Thursday, January 8, 2026.

Speaking on the changing demands of 21st-century education, the professor stressed that learning has shifted from teacher-dominated approaches to student-centred methods, noting that appropriate instructional resources are essential for meaningful learning outcomes.

“Learning in the 21st century is student-centred, and teachers must deliberately use relevant instructional resources to awaken learners’ potentials and promote deeper understanding,” she said.

She advocated inclusive learning through the adoption of assistive technologies, explaining that learners with special needs should have equal access to language learning and instructional materials.

Prof. Soetan also called for the development of indigenous instructional resources, urging educational technologists, curriculum developers and language educators to collaborate in producing culturally relevant learning materials in Nigerian languages.

According to her, “Instructional materials designed in indigenous languages will not only improve comprehension but also help to preserve our rich linguistic and cultural heritage.”

The professor further charged government and education stakeholders to fully enforce the National Policy on Education and the National Language Policy, particularly the use of mother-tongue instruction at the early stages of education.

She emphasised the importance of Yoruba language instruction, noting that “effective use of mother tongue, especially Yoruba, with adequate instructional resources, will strengthen foundational learning and early literacy development.”

Highlighting the role of technology in modern classrooms, Prof. Soetan urged schools at all levels to integrate educational technologies such as mobile applications, multimedia tools and interactive boards, including platforms like Opón-Ônka and ÈDÈ App, to boost learner engagement and improve learning outcomes.

She also stressed the need for continuous professional development for teachers, calling for regular training on the design, improvisation and effective use of instructional resources, particularly technology-based and mother-tongue teaching materials.

In situations where standard materials are unavailable, the professor encouraged teachers to improvise instructional resources using locally available materials within learners’ environments to enhance understanding.

Prof. Soetan further recommended the establishment and strengthening of instructional resource centres in educational institutions, where teaching materials can be produced, stored, borrowed and used to support classroom instruction.

She underscored the role of parents and communities in language development, urging them to speak mother tongue at home to complement school efforts and ensure early language acquisition and cultural continuity.

Explaining the value of instructional resources, she said they help reduce abstraction in learning by transforming concepts into concrete experiences through field trips, models, pictures, games, simulations, animations and online resources.

According to her, the comprehensive use of instructional resources across all subject areas, both within and beyond the classroom, would enhance skills acquisition and address emerging challenges in educational technology.

Prof. Soetan also called for increased research in indigenous language technology, encouraging scholars to explore artificial intelligence, natural language processing and digital innovations for documentation, learning and preservation of Nigerian languages, particularly Yoruba.

She concluded that sustained investment in language-based instruction and educational technology remains key to improving learning outcomes and repositioning Nigeria’s education system for global relevance.