Popularize The Teaching Of Mathematics In Nigerian Schools

Recently, a mathematician, Michel Talagrand, won the 2024 Abel Prize, otherwise called the Nobel Prize in Mathematics. This makes sense in his work on researching probability theory and the existence of randomness with computer proofs. In it, he found a guaranteed way to win the lottery in 2023, among others.

The subject mathematics involves the basic arithmetic manipulation of numeric numbers, figures, letters, alpha-numeric characters and sounds, embracing any of; additions, subtractions, multiplications, divisions and complementation, with the possible permutation and combination of the logical relational operators such as greater than (>), less than (<), equal to, etc. within a case scenario, with the intent to achieve some useful result to solve a particular problem.

Consequently, according to a Greek philosopher and sage, Pythagoras, who made important developments in mathematics, “without mathematics, no true wisdom is possible.” Confirming this further, Nigeria’s late Professor Chike Obi, an icon in mathematics, advised that the possession of first degree or HND in mathematics should be a prerequisite to studying any professional courses, because, according to him, mathematics is the foundation for logic and through the knowledge of it, other understandings are enabled and established.

In this regard, the federal government should, as a matter of urgency, make it mandatory for all tertiary institutions awarding the NCE to sponge their syllabi or curricula with arithmetic and basic mathematics courses, irrespective of their diverse disciplines and specializations. This will go a long way towards arresting the poor formative background and apathy towards mathematics now prevalent in present-day students.

Sad enough, reasons abound for the fear and failures of candidates in mathematics. The first is the misleading and erroneous traditional belief by some that mathematics is a difficult subject, especially not meant for female folks. This, to say the least, is a fallacy. Simply put, the subject is as easy and as difficult as other related and prevailing subjects.

Some mathematicians themselves aggravate the situation by deliberately carrying some air of possessive abnormality, constantly using vague technical jargon, and being impatient with slow learners. The resultant effect of this is the lack of human face in the teaching and application of good subjects.  There is also the problem of patently parboiled and unqualified teachers of the subject.

Again, the perennial lack of comprehensive textbooks with homemade examples presents some clogs in the wheels of progress. The prospect of having a continuous stream of mathematics-loving candidates waxes and wanes as different textbooks with questionable contents and objectives appear on the scene. To this end, to neutralize the apathy towards mathematics, primary and secondary school students should go back to the use of four-figure tables, slide rules, etc. that motivate and inspire creativity and investigative thinking, which make learning mathematics more engaging, including using some relevant ICT-simulated games and puzzles. This is because the present unguided addiction to scientific calculators and ready-made computer-based answers has caused what the late Prof. Kenneth Dike lamented as “pauperization of the brain” among the youth.

There should also be awards and scholarship schemes, particularly for the girl child for further incentives. Similarly, a deliberate incentive and encouragement to the teachers of mathematics should be put in place by periodically sponsoring them to relevant workshops, symposia, seminars and re-training to up-date their knowledge.

There should also be a template to encourage the use of mother tongue, as is the practice in other developed climes in de-mystifying the aura and trauma hitherto alleged in mathematics as a subject. As government expedites actions on the removal of the impediments to making mathematics more appealing and interesting to present-day students, youths in the country will then be spurred to embrace the subject more enthusiastically as it is taught with the expected human face.