By Saheed Ibrahim

Olalekan Adeeko, co-founder of TedPrime Hub and 2020 African Union Teacher Prize winner, has said the use of Yoruba language is making tech skills accessible to everyone.

Adeeko, who is a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP), is breaking barriers in tech education by teaching digital skills in Yoruba, an indigenous Nigerian language.

His approach has made complex subjects like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analysis accessible to communities often excluded due to language barriers.

“The goal is to make technology accessible to everyone, regardless of their language of communication,” Adeeko stated.

He explained that delivering lessons in Yoruba allows him to reach individuals who might struggle with English-based resources, empowering them to utilise technology in their daily lives.

Adeeko added that teaching in Yoruba boosts learners’ confidence and improves their understanding of complex concepts.

“When people can learn in their native language, they gain confidence and can more easily grasp topics like AI and data analysis,” he said.

He described his MVP recognition as evidence of the impact of inclusive education.

“This award reflects the importance of ensuring no one is left behind in the digital economy, especially those traditionally excluded due to language barriers,” he noted.

Adeeko’s work continues to inspire efforts to make digital skills accessible to all, highlighting the transformative role of indigenous languages in advancing technology education in Africa.