From Joseph Uchenna, Makurdi
The Nigerian Mathematical Society, NMS has stated that the new educational policy by the Federal Government not to make Mathematics compulsory for Arts and Humanity students will have far-reaching implications for national development and individual competence.
National President, NMS Prof Godwin Mba who said this in Makurdi on Friday during a press btiefing at the NUJ House, maintained that Mathematics remains one of the foundational subjects in the Nigerian educational curriculum, reflecting its importance in cognitive development, problem-solving and digital reasoning.
Prof Mbah also, said if Mathematics ceases to be a compulsory admission requirement into Nigerian Universities and other tertiary institutions, the attitude of learners in secondary school would likely shift in ways that could undermine the purpose of early Mathematics education and basic foundation.
He further, posited that there will be lost of motivation and interest amongst students leading to apathy, truancy and minimal participation in class.
Prof Mbah who is also, the National President, Bio-Mathematics Association noted that the policy will bring about increase in negative attitude and fear, poor performance and widening learning gaps, disrespect for teachers and the subject, early subject neglect from Juinor Secondary School, reduce critical thinking across disciplines, long term psychological impact.
He added, “the larger national implication of the policy will be seen in economic and technological stagnation as well as social inequality.
“We have failed to adopt scientific inventions using Mathematics for our national growth and development.
“We are under-utilizing Mathematicians as problem-solvers as there is lack of sponsorship for Mathematical innovations.
“All university applicants, irrespective of discipline, should possess a credit pass in Mathematics to ensure a minimum standard of quantities literacy. This standard should be maintained”, the Nigerian Representative at the World Mathematical Union recommended.
