In an era where linguistic precision increasingly defines academic and professional success, a transformative wave is sweeping through classrooms across Nigeria. From the mountainous terrains of Taraba to the bustling academic corridors of Lagos, a new grammar movement is reshaping how English is taught, learned, and lived.

At the forefront of this revolution is the six-volume textbook series titled Mastering English Grammar: A Step-by-Step Approach, co-authored by Dr. Olarotimi Ogungbemi, Dr. Taiwo Stanley Osanyemi, and Dr. Lekan Oyeleye, a distinguished team of linguists celebrated for their interdisciplinary research in Discourse Studies, Applied Linguistics, Sociolinguistics, and English Language Pedagogy.

Published by Haytee Books in 2022, the series is not only a publishing milestone—it is a national educational intervention. According to internal publisher reports, the series has sold over three million copies, a feat unprecedented for locally authored academic texts in Nigeria. It has since been adopted in over 195 institutions, including polytechnics, Colleges of Education, and state universities, confirming its reach and relevance across multiple tiers of the country’s education system.

What sets this series apart is its pedagogical innovation. Designed specifically for second-language English learners, the books use contextualised examples, indigenous illustrations, and culturally familiar settings—from everyday market interactions to common proverbs—to demystify the structure and usage of English grammar. The result is a learning experience that is not only academically sound but deeply relatable to Nigerian students. Unlike older, foreign-authored grammar manuals that often feel abstract or disconnected, this series makes grammar meaningful rather than mechanical.

Across the country, educators are witnessing the shift firsthand.

In Ilorin, Dr. Joy Yusuf, a principal lecturer at the Kwara State College of Education, said: “It’s more than just a grammar book; it’s a resource that aligns with our students’ linguistic realities. It has changed the dynamics of my grammar classes.”

Dr Modahunsi, Iwabi Abraham at the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Ondo State considers it as “the most complete grammar learning tool we’ve had in a decade. The examples are locally rooted yet meet global academic benchmarks.”

In Abeokuta, Dr. Frederick John, a Professor of Language Education at Chrisland University, remarks:

“This is not just a text—it’s a transformation. Our students are constructing clearer arguments and performing better in national language exams.”

From Makurdi, Mrs. Grace Akume at the College of Education shares:

“Student engagement has surged. The grammar drills feel tailored to their lived experiences. There’s energy in the classroom like never before.”

In Kano, Professor Bala Danyaro Aminu of Bayero University, Kano notes:

“After integrating the six volumes into our General Studies (GNS) curriculum, both internal assessments and external examiner reviews confirm improved sentence structure and syntactic clarity among students.”

In Ile-Ife, Professor Ayeomoni Omoniyi at the Obafemi Awolowo University says: “Few grammar texts succeed at being both didactic and intuitive. This one supports both classroom and self-paced learning, which is rare and essential.”

Even in Jalingo, Taraba State, rural schools are seeing remarkable engagement. Mr. Ishaya Kwanchi, an education inspector, said: “These books have bridged the urban-rural gap in English instruction. Our students now interact with grammar in a way that resonates. This is no small achievement.”

The influence of the series has not been confined to lecture halls. Ministries of Education in Ondo, Ekiti, and Kaduna states have issued formal circulars endorsing the series for pre-service teacher training and continuing professional development programs. For instance, Ondo State Circular No. ED/OD/2023/021 designates the series as a “preferred pedagogical standard” for English grammar instruction across public training colleges.

In Kaduna, state educators have included the series in their revised teacher certification framework, marking a historic shift toward indigenous scholarly content in formal teacher education.

Students, too, are experiencing the difference. Esther Adewale, a 200-level English major at the University of Ibadan, said: “Volume 3 became my grammar coach. It’s as if the author is right beside me, walking me through each sentence I once struggled to build.”

Others have called it the first English textbook that actually “speaks their language,” in tone, example, and intent.

The authors have not simply published textbooks—they have delivered a pedagogical breakthrough. In doing so, they’ve given teachers a clearer instructional pathway, students a more confident command of grammar, and Nigeria a linguistic foundation to compete globally.

From Sokoto to Aba, Ibadan to Jalingo, the message is loud and clear: This series works.