Mazi Ogbonnaya Okoro, the pioneer author of a physics textbook in the Igbo language, has made headlines once again, this time for his candid revelations about his experiences in Nigerian universities and the reactions to his scholarship offer in the USA. Okoro, whose groundbreaking work, *Fiziksi*, aimed at promoting Igbo as a medium of instruction in scientific disciplines, has faced both praise and criticism, sparking a national conversation on the importance of indigenous languages in education.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, Okoro shared his frustration with the treatment he received from certain Nigerian academic institutions, especially at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK). He expressed disappointment at being rejected by universities due to his lack of a Master’s or PhD, despite his numerous publications and contributions to Igbo language education. Okoro’s work, which reached international recognition with the *Fiziksi* textbook making its way to the prestigious Library of Congress, has now earned him a scholarship in the United States, a move that has generated mixed reactions.
Many, according to Okoro, who initially dismissed his efforts to write a physics textbook in Igbo and questioned the relevance of the language in scientific education, have now raised concerns that his scholarship might derail his focus on Igbo studies. Okoro lamented the irony of their newfound interest, stating, “The same people who made jest of my creativity and said nobody would read *Fiziksi* are suddenly concerned that Maazị has been provided with a scholarship and might leave the local contents.”
Okoro also recounted the numerous challenges he faced from supposed supporters of the Igbo language, including political and academic elites who failed to endorse or even recognize his work. He described encounters with university heads and state officials who were unwilling to acknowledge his contributions because he did not follow traditional protocols or because his academic background lacked the credentials they deemed necessary.
His post underscored the critical role of promoting indigenous languages in technical fields like physics, pointing out the hypocrisy of those who lament the decline of Igbo while undermining efforts to revitalize it. “Our people go to conferences and sober over how Igbo language is dying, but fight those who have the zeal to make it stand,” Okoro said. He also highlighted the efforts made to suppress his voice in academic circles, particularly during his time at the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) and UNIZIK.
Okoro’s account illustrates the broader struggle faced by those advocating for the use of local languages in education. His work in translating complex scientific concepts into Igbo represents a monumental step towards preserving the language and making it relevant in modern academic discourse. Physics, being a challenging field of study, requires a medium through which learners can fully grasp concepts, and Okoro’s efforts in providing a physics textbook in Igbo is a testament to his commitment to linguistic and cultural preservation.
However, Okoro’s scholarship in the USA, a country far removed from the challenges he faced at home, has now raised questions. He has faced unsolicited advice from individuals warning him to be wary of foreign interests, with some fearing that the scholarship might be an attempt to dilute his focus on local content. Okoro, however, dismissed such concerns, stating that he would always go where he is valued and respected, and called out the hypocrisy of those who offered no support when he needed it the most.
“Any reasonable human goes to where he is valued and respected,” he wrote. Okoro also made it clear that his passion for promoting the Igbo language would not waver, regardless of where he found himself. His defiance against those who sought to diminish his work stands as a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting indigenous languages in all areas of education, particularly in the sciences.
As Okoro continues his journey, his story is one of resilience and determination. The importance of indigenous languages like Igbo in technical education cannot be overstated, and the success of projects like *Fiziksi* serves as a model for how other languages across Nigeria can be integrated into academic disciplines. While Okoro’s future remains bright with his new scholarship, his experiences at home continue to highlight the challenges faced by those committed to advancing local languages in the academic and scientific arenas.
Mazi Ogbonnaya Okoro’s work represents not just a victory for Igbo but for all Nigerian languages, proving that local content can indeed thrive in global spaces if given the right support. His *Fiziksi* textbook is a milestone in education, symbolizing the need to embrace linguistic diversity in our academic institutions, both in Nigeria and beyond.
By
Anthony Emeka Nwosu
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