In Nigeria’s fast-growing digital economy, online platforms, mobile apps, and virtual classrooms are changing the way we work and learn. Yet one critical issue is often overlooked, and that is language. A friend recently shared an experience that highlights this challenge. While working with women in a tailoring workshop in Ekiti State, she encouraged them to take a basic online course on financial literacy. The content was in English, but most of the women primarily spoke Yoruba or Pidgin. They were eager to learn, yet the language became a barrier. As my friend explained, their enthusiasm faded not because they lacked the will to learn but because they couldn’t learn in a language that excluded them.
This isn’t an isolated case. In Nigeria, where over 500 languages are spoken, relying solely on English for digital education unintentionally excludes millions of people, especially working-class individuals in informal sectors who didn’t have the opportunity to complete formal education in English. For them, learning in their native language is not just easier, it’s necessary.
This article explores why language localisation matters in Nigeria’s digital learning landscape. It delves into real-life examples, innovative solutions already making a difference, ongoing challenges, and practical recommendations to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, has access to quality digital education in a language they understand.
Why Language Localisation Matters in Digital Learning
In digital learning, language localisation ensures that educational content is adapted to the linguistic and cultural context of its learners. In Northern Nigeria, Hausa is the predominant language spoken in daily life, commerce, and cultural exchange. Many communities, especially in rural areas, have limited exposure to English outside of formal education. When development agencies, health workers, or educators communicate in English, the message often loses clarity and emotional connection.
For example, a 2019 literacy programme in Kano State found that adult learners taught basic reading and financial literacy in Hausa scored 45% higher in retention tests compared to those taught in English. Similarly, a public health campaign on malaria prevention achieved significantly higher adoption rates when radio messages were aired in Hausa rather than English, as listeners understood the message and felt it spoke directly to them.
These findings highlight that using Hausa is not just about translation; it’s about cultural alignment, trust, and comprehension, which directly drive impact and learning.
How Localisation Shapes Learning Experiences
Localising digital learning content goes beyond simple translation. It directly influences how learners engage, retain information and succeed. Below are three ways it shapes learning outcomes in Nigeria:
1. Enhanced Engagement and Comprehension
Research indicates that students learn and retain information more effectively when it is taught in their native language. In Nigeria, many students, particularly those in rural areas, struggle to understand English, which has a similar impact on their learning, performance, and motivation. Providing electronic learning materials in mother languages, such as Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, and Pidgin, fosters more indigenous language cognitive processing and higher engagement.
2. Promotion of Cultural Relevance and Identity
Language is closely tied to culture. When learners see their language and cultural context reflected in digital content, it reinforces their sense of identity and belonging. Localisation fosters pride in one’s heritage while making educational content more meaningful and relatable.
3. Democratisation of Learning
By providing content in indigenous languages, digital platforms can bridge the gap for millions of Nigerians who would be excluded due to language limitations. Inclusivity is especially important for marginalised regions and for early-grade learners, whose literacy foundation is usually laid in their native tongue.
Challenges of Language Localisation in Nigeria
Linguistic Diversity and Standardisation
Nigeria’s rich tapestry of languages poses a unique challenge. Even within widely spoken languages like Yoruba, dialects vary across regions, Oyo, Ondo, and Ekiti, making standardisation complex but not impossible.
Limited Digital Resources
Many Nigerian languages remain ‘digitally invisible.’ They lack the datasets and tools needed for AI-driven translation, speech tech, or edtech development, placing them at risk of further marginalisation.
Infrastructure Barriers
In many parts of Nigeria, internet access is unreliable, and digital devices are either scarce or unaffordable. This digital divide means that even when localised content is available, access remains a challenge.
Lack of Policy Enforcement
Although Nigeria has a National Policy on Education that supports mother-tongue instruction at the primary level, implementation remains weak. Government investment and enforcement are needed to prioritise local languages in digital learning strategies.
Opportunities and Innovations
Despite these challenges, several innovative initiatives in Nigeria are leading the way in language localisation:
uLesson
A Nigerian ed-tech company that initially distributed its learning content on SD cards before moving to a mobile app. While primarily in English, uLesson uses relatable Nigerian accents and examples, making it more accessible than international platforms.
Afrilearn
Afrilearn produces animated educational content tailored to Nigerian students, including local language integration. The platform was particularly helpful during the COVID-19 lockdowns and was recognised for its impact on equitable education.
Indigenius (by CDIAL.AI)
A keyboard and AI tool that supports over 180 African languages, enabling users to type, learn, and communicate in their native language on digital devices.
Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP)
A UNICEF-supported initiative in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education and Microsoft. The platform hosts curriculum-aligned content and includes multilingual options to support students in rural communities.
YouTube-based Language Learning
Several educators and content creators now teach STEM subjects in Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo on YouTube and social media. For example, the “Science in Yoruba” project helps break down complex science topics using the Yoruba language.
Recommendations for Scaling Localisation in Nigeria
- Collaborate with Linguists and Communities: Educational content should be co-created with native speakers and educators to ensure accuracy, cultural sensitivity, and dialect relevance.
- Invest in Local Language Datasets: Public and private sectors should fund the development of linguistic databases, corpora, and AI tools for local Nigerian languages.
- Leverage Mobile-First and Offline Platforms: Given infrastructure constraints, localised content should be made available on mobile devices and downloadable offline.
- Train Teachers and Developers: Conduct regional boot camps that train teachers to digitise their curriculum in native languages using open-source tools.
- Government Support and Policy Enforcement: The Nigerian government must implement and enforce educational language policies that support localisation, including funding for digital content development in indigenous languages.
Conclusion
Language localisation is a powerful enabler of inclusive and effective digital learning, especially in linguistically diverse countries like Nigeria. By making content accessible in local languages, we can enhance comprehension, engagement, and educational equity for millions.
To truly bridge the learning gap, organisations must invest in localised solutions that reflect the people they serve.
Now is the time to act.
At Phillips Consulting, we believe local language inclusion is not a ‘nice-to-have,’ but a strategic imperative. We’re committed to building solutions that speak the language of the people, literally and figuratively.