Yoruba language is not an official language in Nigeria but its reception transcends the origin where the rightful speakers dwells .
According to worlddata , the language is widely spoken by about 48 million people.
In addition to the wide range of speakers , The Chinese government have published its first Yoruba textbook titled ‘Ede Yoruba’ — as the Asian country begins studies in the Nigerian language.
Goke Alamu , a university professor from Ekiti state University said he worked with other three university professors to make project possible ,reiterating it was done after the government approval. He made this known in a statement on Thursday.
The professor said the first Yoruba textbook for students in the Asian country was published after approval from the government.
“Just produced in China. I am just very happy because this is the first Yoruba textbook in China,” he said.
“I was contacted by the Beijing Foreign Studies University around 2020 during the COVID-19 crisis to come to China and set up a Yoruba programme for them.
“I could have been in China since then but for the lockdown. So, I started online teaching for their students after writing the syllabus and the approval.
“Later, the university got approval from the government and a publishing company was approved for the publication of the first Yoruba textbook for students.
“I worked with three professors who had the opportunity to study the language in the US. This is the product of our efforts after three years. I will be going to China in September to test-run the book.
“I have two students already at the University of Ibadan who would be trained and take over from me. I have taught them for 2 years online, but they are now here to feel the culture of us and improve their proficiency.” He added .
