Speaker
Description
Martina, A. M.
FEDERAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, ABEOKUTA. OGUN STATE. NIGERIA
muboakinseli@gmail.com
Track: Digital Pedagogy and Teaching Innovation
Reimagining Yoruba Language Education through Digital Innovation:
Pathways for Sustainable Higher Education Transformation in Africa
Abstract
The emergence of digital technologies has significantly transformed teaching, learning,
research and knowledge dissemination across higher education institutions worldwide. In
Africa, tertiary institutions are increasingly adopting innovative digital solutions to improve
educational quality, accessibility and sustainability. However, indigenous language
education, particularly Yoruba language studies, has not fully benefited from the
opportunities provided by digital innovation. The persistent reliance on traditional
pedagogical approaches, inadequate digital learning resources and limited integration of
emerging technologies have constrained the effective teaching and learning of Yoruba
language in higher education institutions. This paper examines how digital innovation can be
leveraged to reimagine Yoruba language education within the context of sustainable higher
education transformation in Africa. Drawing on constructivist learning theory and the
Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the study explores the roles of artificial intelligence,
e-learning platforms, virtual learning environments, mobile learning applications, digital
repositories and multimedia technologies in enhancing Yoruba language teaching and
learning. Through a qualitative review of contemporary literature and empirical studies, the
paper identifies key opportunities, challenges and strategic pathways for integrating digital
technologies into Yoruba language education. Findings revealed that digital innovation
enhances learner engagement, language preservation, accessibility, collaborative learning
and cultural sustainability. The paper concludes that purposeful integration of digital
technologies into Yoruba language programmes can contribute significantly to the digital
transformation agenda of African higher education institutions while preserving indigenous
linguistic heritage. Recommendations are provided for policymakers, tertiary institutions,
curriculum developers and language educators.
Keywords: Digital innovation, Yoruba language education, higher education, artificial
intelligence, indigenous languages, digital pedagogy, Africa