The creator and host of the popular Yoruba language quiz programme, Masoyinbo, Olalekan Fabilola, has hinted that President Bola Tinubu could one day appear on the educational game show after responding positively to a fan’s request on social media. The development has generated widespread interest, not only because of the President’s potential participation but also because of the growing influence of the programme in promoting indigenous language education and cultural preservation.
Fabilola, popularly known as “Ọlálékàn,” shared a message from a supporter urging him to invite President Tinubu to the programme. Responding on his X account, he wrote, “I get message like this every day, at least 20 a day—nothing is impossible. Baba @officialABAT @NGRPresident,” a statement that quickly sparked conversations among followers about the possibility of the President appearing on the show.
Although no official confirmation has been made regarding the invitation, the post has drawn renewed attention to Masoyinbo, a programme that has evolved beyond entertainment into a platform for language education. The show requires contestants to answer a series of questions entirely in Yoruba without using English or any other foreign language, encouraging fluency, vocabulary development and a deeper appreciation of Yoruba history, customs and expressions.
Since its launch, the programme has become increasingly popular among students, teachers, parents and lovers of indigenous languages for demonstrating that learning can be engaging while preserving cultural identity. By rewarding contestants who communicate effectively in Yoruba, the initiative has inspired many young Nigerians to improve their command of their mother tongue at a time when indigenous languages face growing pressure from the dominance of English in schools and daily communication.
The educational value of the programme has also attracted notable personalities from different sectors. Among those who have previously appeared on the quiz show are actress Funke Akindele, rapper Falz, comedian Ali Baba, actors Femi Adebayo and Lateef Adedimeji, and Fuji musician Saheed Osupa. Their participation has helped broaden the programme’s appeal while encouraging younger audiences to embrace Yoruba language and culture with pride.
Broadcast on YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram and DStv, Masoyinbo has continued to reach audiences within and outside Nigeria, making Yoruba language learning more accessible through digital platforms. The programme combines education with entertainment, demonstrating how technology can be effectively utilised to preserve indigenous knowledge and support language acquisition among younger generations.
For many educators and cultural enthusiasts, initiatives such as Masoyinbo reinforce the importance of indigenous language education in strengthening cultural identity, improving literacy in native languages and preserving Nigeria’s rich linguistic heritage. The growing popularity of the programme illustrates how creative educational content can motivate young people to reconnect with their cultural roots while making language learning enjoyable and relevant in the digital age.
