As the digital world is dominated by English-language instruction, Nigerian tech educator Muhydeen Alabi is flipping the script—one line of code at a time.
Through his learning platform, Tech with Muhydeen, he teaches web development entirely in simple Yoruba, guiding learners from beginner to expert using culturally relevant explanations and analogies.
With a mission to make tech education accessible to those often left behind by conventional learning systems, Muhydeen is empowering a new wave of developers in underserved communities.
In this exclusive interview with Techparley, he shares the inspiration behind his work, the challenges of localising technical content, and his bold vision for a truly inclusive digital future in Africa.
Can you tell us about your personal journey—what inspired you to start Tech with Muhydeen Alabi?
I was inspired by my own experience in school. I often struggled to understand what was being taught — not because I lacked intelligence, but because the language of instruction wasn’t really comfortable for me (someone who grew up in a rural area and lack exposure). Later in life, I saw people teaching everyday subjects on social media in their native languages, and it clicked: “What if we brought that same simplicity to tech?” That’s how Tech with Muhydeen was born — to make tech more accessible by teaching it in Yoruba.
Why did you choose to teach web development in Yoruba specifically, rather than in English or Pidgin?
Yoruba is my native tongue, and for millions of people, it’s the language they think and dream in. I believe learning happens best when it feels familiar. English and Pidgin are useful, but for foundational concepts — especially for beginners — Yoruba breaks down mental barriers. It brings learning closer to home.
How do you approach translating complex web development terms into Yoruba without losing their meaning?
I combine contextual explanation with relatable analogies. Instead of trying to force a Yoruba word for “div” or “API,” I explain what they do using everyday language: “Think of <div> like a container or box on a page.” I sometimes mix Yoruba with simple English when necessary — the goal is clarity, not rigid translation.
Do you believe Yoruba—and by extension, other local languages—can be used to teach advanced tech skills at scale?
Absolutely. Language is a tool, not a barrier. With the right strategy — clear structure, good visuals, and a committed educator — any subject can be taught in a local language. If science and medicine can be translated, tech is no exception. It’s just a matter of will and community support.
What’s the most difficult part of localising tech education, especially programming, for a Yoruba-speaking audience?
The toughest part is finding balance between technical accuracy and cultural simplicity. Some concepts don’t have direct Yoruba equivalents, so I have to craft explanations that resonate without oversimplifying. Also, some learners expect word-for-word Yoruba, while others prefer blended explanations (Infact I tends to understand some understand Yoruba when it comes to speaking than reading). Navigating that spectrum is a creative challenge.
Have you received feedback from learners who’ve been impacted by Tech with Muhydeen Alabi? Any success stories you can share?
Yes, and those messages fuel me. I’ve had students say, “This is the first time HTML made sense to me,” or “I always thought tech was only for ‘book people’ until I saw your videos.” Some now create basic websites confidently — not because they went to coding school, but because they heard it in their language.
Who is your core audience—students, young professionals, artisans?
Primarily students, young adults, and aspiring tech learners — especially those from underserved areas. Some are university students struggling with programming courses, while others are just curious young minds exploring tech. I also get interest from artisans and people who’ve never used a laptop before — they just want to learn in a language they trust.
Have you tracked how many people have moved from beginner to job-ready through your lessons?
We’re still in the early stages, so I haven’t tracked formal data yet. But I’ve started building a feedback and tracking structure to monitor student journeys — from first interaction to skill application. That’s one of my goals for this year.
Do you offer certifications to formally recognise learners’ progress?
Not at the moment, but it’s in the works. I plan to roll out structured courses with assessments and certificates to help learners showcase their growth — especially for those who want to use their skills to freelance or apply for jobs.
How is Tech with Muhydeen funded today? Are you exploring monetisation or looking for partners or investors?
Right now, it’s self-funded — just passion, time, and the tools I have. But yes, I’m exploring monetisation through content, community sponsorships, and eventually partnerships with organisations that care about education and local language inclusion. Collaboration would allow us to scale faster.
Would you consider working with tech companies, NGOs or even government to scale your work?
Definitely. I believe this is a vision that can scale with the right partnerships. I’m open to working with tech companies, NGOs, or government agencies that want to support digital literacy, inclusion, and local empowerment through tech education.
How do you think initiatives like yours can help close the digital divide in Nigeria or across Africa?
By removing the language barrier, we make tech feel less foreign. We empower people in villages, low-income communities, and non-English speakers to join the digital world. It’s not just about coding — it’s about access, confidence, and representation. That’s how we bridge the gap.
Would you consider expanding to other Nigerian or African languages like Hausa, Igbo, or French-speaking regions?
Yes, I’d love to collaborate with others fluent in those languages. Tech with Muhydeen could become a template or model that’s adapted to other regions. My dream is to see tech taught in every African language — that’s true digital inclusion.
What’s your five-year vision for Tech with Muhydeen?
In 5 years, I want Tech with Muhydeen to be a recognized digital learning platform — offering web development courses in Yoruba (and more languages), with videos, mentorship, certifications, and real career impact. I want to see hundreds, if not thousands, of learners go from “beginner” to “job-ready” — and I want them to say, “I started with tech because I heard it in my own language.”
You can check out, and Tech with Muhydeen on Facebook.
