The Book FIZIKSI, My Journey in Igbo Lang Research, USA- Linguistics Scholar, Mazi Okoro
At 31, Mazi Ogbonnaya Mark Okoro has successfully engraved his name on the planet of world renown iconoclastic intellectuals. A pathfinder and an unrepentant pursuer of excellence. Born on June 26, 1993 in Okposi, a town known for the entrepreneurial and scholarly tenacity and prowess of its people, Mazi Okoro represents hope in the midst of seeming hopelessness that young people in Nigeria are currently grappling with.
His home town, Okposi, located in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State is the home town of Nigeria’s first indigenous Minister of Education, Onyibe Aja Nwachukwu who held the office and piloted Nigeria’s then burgeoning educational plans and planning between 1958 and 1965.
On March 13, 2024, Mazi Okoro’s groundbreaking book, FIZIKSI, a translation of physics into the Igbo language was published and ultimately the doors of the world of scholarly expeditions have now been flung open for him!
FIZIKSI stands out today as the first science textbook published in an African language.
But then, the publication of FIZIKSI, in a sense was not just the door opener, it was even more so, the culmination of over 20 years of tenacious research, curiosity and quest for renaissance of the Igbo language, nay culture.
Narrating his journey thus far in an interview with Enugu-based Afia TV recently, Mazi Okoro revealed that his fascination with the Igbo language started before he ever attended primary school.
“I started reading Igbo languages from home, I lived with my grandmother who told me stories about the past and Igbo people.
“I associated with elders and subsequently decided to write all they told me down. So I started writing before I enrolled in primary.”
“I wrote short stories when I was primary school and while in secondary school, I wrote 15 manuscripts in Igbo language.”
Earlier this week Mazi Okoro arrived the United States of America to continue his research work in on of America’s “best universities.”
He recounted his ordeal as a young Nigerian that decided to chart the uncharted cause and thread the road less travelled.
Mazi Okoro’s research work extends beyond linguistics, it straddles various fields, including Sociology, Anthropology, Arts History, Culture and Education planning. He believes that his work is not an end in itself, but a means to a limitless end and opportunity, not just for his native Igbo, but all of Africa. He believes that until Africa domesticates science and technology, the race to self emancipation may eventually elude the black man. According to him, if China, Japan, and Germany etc can do it in their native tongues, the Igbo people and indeed the peoples of Africa can do it.
Mazi Okoro earned a 2nd Class Upper degree in Linguistics and Igbo Language from the University of Nigeria Nssuka in 2015. At Post graduate level, he studied Translation and Movie Subtitle at Newcastle University and the University of the West of Scotland, UK. He has over 70 books to his name. Many of his books are now being studied in secondary schools and universities in Nigeria. As a translator, he has traversed the media, publishing, filmmaking and other areas both within and outside Nigeria.
Some of his published books in Igbo include:
- Nwata Tichaa Akị Tufuo Nkume… (a prose 2012)
Onitsha, Ezeh Press.
- Nwata Kpata Ego… (a prose 2013)
Onitsha, Perfect Image Publishers.
- Uwa Na-Amighari Amighari (a play 2015)
Onitsha, Perfect Image Publishers.
- Onye Buru Chi Ya Ụzọ… (a play 2015)
Onitsha, Perfect Image Publishers.
- Ịbuchim (a play 2015)
Obosi, Pacific Publishers Ltd.
- Ihe Onye Tụrụ N’ahịa… (a play 2015)
Obosi, Pacific Publishers Ltd..
- Ọchụpụrụ Onwe Ya N’ụgbọ… (a prose 2015)
Obosi, Pacific Publishers Ltd.
- Onye Rere Nkịta Zụta Enwe… (a prose 2015)
Obosi, Pacific Publishers Ltd.
- Onye Na Nke Ya… (an anthology verse 2017)
Obosi, Pacific Publishers Ltd.
Below is his personal account on his journey to the United States of America as published on his social media handles:
Maazị na United States of America.
Thank you, United States of America for recognising my effort and giving me the honour to be in your country; not just that, to be offered a fully funded scholarship with Graduate Employment in one of your best Universities, to pursue one of my greatest dreams, that’s being where I perfectly belong— academic world, where knowledge and education are highly valued. I pledge to give you my best.
I arrived at the airport — my final destination in midnight, then was shocked to see my name on placard, boldly written, displayed by Mr. Bill, an American (onye ọcha) who I was seeing for the first time, that almost that 12:00 AM when I arrived. Despite missing my flight that should have been 8:30 PM, he waited untill my arrival by 12: 00 AM. A great man in his 70s.
He drove me to his beautiful home and showed me more than 5 rooms in his duplex, that I should choose the one I prefer. Everything sorted out. Soft landing. Ọnụkwube ka ndị Bekee ji placard eche n’ime Airport, to welcome him?
I was received like a King. Treated like an egg in a strange land where I wasn’t seen as a stranger but one who has a lot to offer the society.
Few months ago, my new book was available in the highest library in the world — Library of Congress, Washington DC, United States of America, in their catalogue under the Department of African and Middle East Section. I was in direct communication with the Head. My books have traveled before me. Now, it’s time to go where my works are.
I have many stories to share, but before then, I want to say something to everyone and anyone reading this: “your dream is valid.” Whatever you wish for, can come to past if you believe in yourself, your chi and decide to work very hard and legitimately without cutting corners and involving in illegality. God’s time is the best. With patience, everything will be sorted out with time.
For those who have supported and encouraged me over the years, I do not take your support for granted. I remember you all and words cannot express how thankful I am.
I will be in the United States to do what my chi has endowed me with. The future looks more beautiful.
But wait oo: “E Ji Igbo Eje Ebee?”
“E Ji Igbo Eje Ebee?
“Where will Igbo language take him to? He will just waste as a primary school Igbo teacher.”
INDEED!
“E Ji Igbo Eje Ebee!”
Ọnụ mmadụ abụghị ọnụ Chukwu. My story is a testimony that God does not sleep.
I Paused!