By Micheal Chukwuebuka, Reporting
A young author and novelist has achieved an uncommon feat by publishing a Physics text book in one of Nigeria’s indigenous language, the Igbo language.
Maazi Ogbonnaya Okoro took to his Facebook page on the 13th of March, 2024, to announce the publication:
“The first Physics text book rendered in Igbo language is out!
“Over the years, I have read about so many threats facing the Igbo and how it will go extinct. This motivated me to embark on this project that seemed unattainable, for science subjects to be taught in Igbo.
“I started from Physics. I said I would do it, and I DID it.”
The text book which he titled, Fizikisi (Ihe omumu mbaraigwe na uwa n’uzo di mfe) nke mbu, which translated to English means, Physics (The study of space and earth made easy) book one, according to him, was designed in a way that one without formal education can understand Physics and is needed in all libraries, schools, homes and for individual use.
FIZIKISI has, since its release, been receiving accolades from Nigerians both home and abroad especially those of Igbo extraction.
According to Thenewsphare.com, among eminent scholars who have celebrated this feat is Professor Ernest Emenyọnụ, Emeritus Professor of Africana Studies, University of Michigan-Flint, USA who also ordered copies of the text book.
Okoro, on Saturday morning, shared a heart-warming news on his page saying FIZIKSI has been included into the catalogue of the United State’s Library of Congress.
Stonix News reports that Okoro is also a translator who started writing stories in Igbo language at a very young age.
He currently has over 58 books to his name according to Igbo Masters Institute. Most of his Igbo books are approved by the Ministries of Education for all the secondary schools in Ebonyi, Imo, Anambra, Enugu and Abịa states.
Also, various universities and colleges of education in the Southeast of Nigeria have approved his books for both undergraduate and post graduate studies.
Fiziksi is not only the first Physics text book written in Igbo language, it is actually the first Physics text book rendered in any Nigerian indigenous language.
However, despite the acknowledgement of FIZIKISI by the US Library of Congress, the publication is yet to be recognized or endorsed by both the Federal and States Ministries of Education.
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