An Igbo linguistic expert recently commenced the translation of a physics textbook into the Igbo language. The Igbo linguistic expert, Maazi Ogbonnaya Okoro made this known in a Twitter post on Sunday, the 10th of December. 

• The translation is in progress and will be completed in 2024.

• Mazi Okoro said that once he is done with Physics, he will begin the translation of Chemistry and Biology.

• He has written over 58 books in Igbo, some of which are approved in all secondary schools in Igbo-speaking communities. 

Mazi Okoro took to his Twitter page to announce that the work will be ready in 2024 and also stated that once he is done with that, he will translate Chemistry, Biology, and other STEM subjects. He tweeted, “By 2024, I should be done translating Physics textbook into the Igbo Language. Once I am done with Physics, I will go over to Chemistry, Biology, and other STEM subjects.” 

He also stated in a separate post that was made in 2021, that he had done other major works in the Igbo Language. In his words “Now I have over 25 published books in Igbo and a total of 58 published and unpublished manuscripts in Igbo Language. Translated the BBC guidelines in Igbo before the launching of BBC Igbo Service; translated Igbo for the UNESCO.”

Mazi Ogbonnaya Okoro is experienced in teaching and researching the Igbo language, literature, history, and culture and has been for over 15 years. He is also a professional tutor of the first language, second language, and foreign language learners of Igbo. Mazi Okoro studied Linguistics and Igbo Language at the University of Nsukka and later on went on to study  Translation and Movie Subtitles at Newcastle University and the University of the West of Scotland, UK. He has written over 58 books and The Ministries of  Education has approved his Igbo books for all the secondary schools in Ebonyi, Imo, Anambra, Enugwu, Abịa, and Delta. He also has books that have been approved for undergraduate, Master, and PhD students of Igbo Literature in various universities and Colleges of Education across Igbo land.

Mazi Okoro was the BBC Igbo’s first translator. He has translated works for different national and international organizations such as UNESCO and the United Nations, in Igbo. Currently, Igbo Translations Director, Abibiman Publishers, UK. His book in Igbo was signed to be published by the Griots Lounge Publishers, Canada to have Igbo content for North Americans. He is passionate about the Igbo language and its sustainability as well as preservation against extinction as predicted by UNESCO. He is an Igbo Language and Cultural Advocate. He has taught many African-Americans, Africans, whites, children, and adults the Igbo language.

There were mixed reactions to this innovation Mr. Nize said “While it is good to do these translations, I am wondering how we can make it useable in our schools. We have the Igbo bible and many Igbo people either don’t know how to read it or find it difficult and uninteresting. How can we make sure your efforts are not wasted?” Mr. Victorsmog also said, “This is awesome. Physics will be easier to learn.”

Even though curiosity is the leading emotion about how this will eventually turn out, the initiative is highly welcome and it will make learning more fun.