Two Years of Impact: How NABU is Transforming Literacy in Nigeria

In 2023, NABU Nigeria was launched through a partnership with Giannis Antetokounmpo , the CAFF Foundation , and Whatsapp , grounded in a shared belief that when children learn to read in their mother tongue, they don’t just build literacy skills, they build confidence and belonging.

Together, we worked with more than 30 local authors, illustrators, and translators to create 40 original children’s books in Igbo. Ensuring children could see their cultures, communities, and lived experiences reflected in the stories they read.

In July 2024, HP joined this effort as a strategic partner, supporting a national launch event at Alliance Française, Lagos, and enabling the expansion of our Nigerian collection to include 40 new titles in Yoruba and Hausa, bringing stories to even more Nigerian children in the languages they speak at home.

Building a Library That Reflects Home

We began with 40 original children’s books in Igbo - stories rooted in culture, community, and lived experience. For many children, it was the first time they encountered a book written in the language spoken at home.

As NABU Nigeria expanded, so did our linguistic reach. With support from HP, we introduced Hausa and Yoruba, growing our Nigerian collection across three of the country’s most widely spoken languages.

This expansion was more than numerical growth. It was about dignity. When children read in a familiar language, comprehension strengthens, confidence rises, and curiosity expands.

Two Years by the Numbers

Since launch, the impact has been measurable and meaningful:

• 162,000+ readers across the NABU Mobile App and Web Reader22,300+ stories downloaded for offline access
• 1,529 Creatives trained
• 3,982 Teachers Trained
• 40 Books Created
• 134k Number of Completed Books
• 108 Hours of Community Read Aloud Sessions
• 10+ community partners
• Books available in Igbo, Hausa, and Yoruba

These numbers represent more than downloads. They represent moments of connection between children and caregivers, classrooms filled with engaged readers, and communities reclaiming the power of language.

Why Mother Tongue Literacy Matters

Research consistently shows that children learn best in the language they understand first. Yet millions of Nigerian children begin school in a language unfamiliar to them, creating barriers before learning even begins.

Mother tongue access is not a cultural luxury, it is a foundational literacy strategy.

By continuing to expand our Nigerian library, we are not only teaching children to read. We are affirming that their voices, heritage, and stories matter.

And we are just getting started.

The Next Chapter

As we celebrate International Mother Language Day, we recommit to:

• Expanding local language publishing
• Increasing offline access in underserved communities
• Supporting caregivers as first literacy champions

Because literacy is the ultimate equalizer and every child deserves the chance to thrive.

Want To Get Involved?

• Start Reading Today Access NABU’s free children’s books in local languages through our mobile app and web reader. Visit the NABU Web Reader
• Support Our Mission Your support helps us publish more stories and reach more children. Donate here
• Interested in Partnership? Collaborate with us to expand access to local language books. Contact us