The University of Ibadan (UI) has launched KoEde, a Yoruba language learning application designed to teach yoruba language to students.

The mobile application was unveiled at the 2nd Annual Symposium of the Human-Computer Interaction for Development Association of Computer Machinery, jointly hosted by the University of Ibadan and Bowen University, Iwo, with support from the Special Interest Group in Computer Human Interaction at the Faculty of Computing, UI.

Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olumuyiwa Omobowale, the Director of Special Duties, Office of the Vice-Chancellor, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to fostering research and dialogue that address Africa’s unique challenges and opportunities.

He described KoEde as a brilliant fusion of cutting-edge Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) principles with cultural preservation, commending the developers for the innovation.

“The developers have demonstrated how technology can be harnessed to safeguard our heritage and make learning engaging for the digital generation,” he said.

Also speaking, the Team Lead and Principal Investigator of the KoEde Mobile Application team, Dr. Aderonke B. Sakpere, explained that the app is an interactive mobile language learning platform aimed at bridging the gap between children and the learning of indigenous languages.

According to her, the application was developed in collaboration with the Yoruba Language Centre of the University of Ibadan and funded by Klaus Tschira Stiftung, a Germany-based organisation.

She noted that the team observed declining fluency in indigenous languages among younger Yoruba generations, prompting the initiative to develop a technology-driven learning solution.

Dr. Sakpere also added that the application utilises gamification and constructive pedagogy to make learning engaging and enjoyable.

“The app features puzzles, sentence formation, and touch-and-drag interactive exercises structured across beginner, intermediate and expert levels, giving users a game-based learning experience,” she said.

Dignitaries present at the event included the 12th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Abel Idowu Olayinka, who chaired the occasion; Professor Adenike Osofisan, the first female Professor of Computer Studies in Africa, who served as Chairlady; and Professor J.O. Babalola, Vice-Chancellor of Bowen University.

Credit: UI Directorate of Public Communication