PROBLEM AND PROSPECT OF MATHEMATHICS EDUCATION IN NIGERIA

NATURE OF MATHEMATICS EDUCATION IN NIGERIA

Mathematics can be defined as a group of related sciences, including geometry,  calculus and  algebra, which is focused on the  study of number,  space,shape,andquantity, and  how they  interrelate  using a specialized notation

Mathematic is involved in the solution of a problem or study of some scientific field

Mathematics uses numbers and symbols in the study of measurement, relationships, and properties of quantities and sets. The branches of mathematics include Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and calculus. Mathematics entails the study of equations, functions, geometric shapes, numbers, equations, and their relationships.

Mathematics is an essential discipline which forms the basis of all other sciences and deals with the material substance of space and time. Mathematics can be divided into pure and applied mathemathics.Pure mathematics focuses on concepts which are based on the rules of mathematics. The aim of these concepts is not necessarily for meeting the needs of the physical world. Pure mathematics mainly deal with the determination of mathematical proofs. .Applied mathematics is that branch of Mathematics which is applied to other branches such as chemistry, physics, chemistry, etc. It focuses on a problem-solving approach. It attempts to discover practical solutions to solving the everyday problems of life. In practical life, pure mathematics and applied mathematics overlap each other. The concepts of pure mathematics are also used by applied mathematics to discover   practical solutions.

PROBLEM

The Problem of Teachers; A fundamental problem facing mathematics education is the lack of competent teachers in the field of mathematics. This to a great extent impedes on the ability of the students to understand and appreciate the subject even from the basis. .This invariably means that a  teacher who have only a shallow understanding of mathematics cannot deliver effective teaching that would impart the necessary knowledge to the students as a result there  exist a gap  between the contents and its application which invariably will affect student’s knowledge of applicability. Also gross inadequacy of mathematics teachers in the primary, secondary and Tertiary level constitutes a greater challenge to mathematic education in Nigeria.

The  Problem of Students; Many students exhibit negative attitude toward mathematics as they see no importance of the subject in the application of real life other than for gaining admission to their respective courses in the higher institution. To some others they exercise fear and dread the abstractness of mathematics and its concepts.

The Problem of   Curriculum;

According to Alade (2005) in Azuka, B. F: Jekayinfa, O; Durojaiye, D & Okwuoza, S. O (2013).

Curriculum provides the content of the subject which propels educational programmes and practice. Therefore where this content is not implemented it constitutes a problem of understanding to the students and defies the attainment of the objectives of the curriculum on the students and on the society. For example right from the time of introduction of

modern mathematics in Nigeria , it has developed debates as to its applicability and functionality in Nigeria.

The Problem of the Society

The wrong value and attitude towards mathematics among the people in the society signals hatred for mathematics. This trend is imbibed by the younger and upcoming students who also show hatred for the subjects. Also the emphasy place on certificate rather content has encourage many students to engage in exam malpractice to secure grades in mathematics exams without having the content

The Problem of Funding

It is also important to note that poor funding of education has also contributed to this problem of mathematics Education in Nigeria. Budgetary allocations to the education ministry are by government and other agencies have been grossly inadequate.

PROSPECT

Prospect of Mathematics Education in Nigeria

Mathematics helps provide understanding and solution to real world problems. Hence it is important that the teaching of mathematics be given adequate attention by employing   some elements of “good teaching” of mathematics such as  listening closely to students’ ideas, for example so as to enable the students develop interest and love for the subject.

Mathematics currently has significant   impact on science and society. The

Influence may be silent and hidden but it has contributed immensely to the shaping of our world in diverse ways. Mathematics has brought   revolution in electronics, information technology. These developments in science and technology are as a result of numerous developments in pure mathematics which has greatly impacted on our society.

Mathematics is a universal part of human culture.it plays significant role in

Commerce, engineering and other sciences – physics, computing etc. Mathematics plays a vital, role in many aspects of modern life, such as in Space travel, Predicting stock market prices, Business decision making. E. t. c.

mathematics assist in the acquisition of  a broad range of skills in problem solving, logical reasoning and flexible thinking which leads  exciting, challenging and diverse careers in nature.

Mathematics also play important role in technological development, and prosperity of our country

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Mathematics provides significant application to life and related fields and is a gate-way to science”. Mathematics is a language upon which science, commerce, industry the internet

and the entire global economic infrastructure is built. It is a universal language, and an important aspect of our personal and working life. Mathematics constitute a critical factor in fostering logical, Rigorous thinking, as such, its influence is immense. Mathematics proffers solution to skills in numeracy; numbers, sound, syllables and word of the language of mathematics.

The place of Mathematics goes beyond   the science of numbers which is taught by teachers in institutions which appeals to or feared by many students. It is vital and contributes significantly to the live of individuals, the world and society as a whole. Mathematics is an important discipline acknowledged universally and needs to be significantly spread in education to provide student the skills required  for achieving higher education, career  and for the achievement of personal fulfillment. mathematics affects all aspects of human life it is essential in education to assist students and all categories of  people in  all occupations to execute their daily  tasks efficiently and  productively so as to be functional, independent individuals , well informed,  and members of a society, where Mathematics is fundamental