A Mathematics scholar, Ohi Uwaheren, has described Mathematics as the simplest of all subjects in the school curriculum.
Uhaweren, who lectures at the University of Ilorin, said that most pupils and students lacked interest in Mathematics due to their teachers’ approach to the subject.
He spoke while delivering his address titled “The written and unwritten curriculum for schools in Nigeria,” at the graduation and launch of the maiden edition of a magazine produced by Brilliant Stars International School on Monday in Ilorin.
According to him, contrary to the belief in some quarters that Mathematics is the most dreaded subject in Nigerian schools, he said the subject is rather one of the simplest.
“Mathematics is not difficult as many look at it.
“If the teachers who teach students Mathematics can change or modify their behaviour and methodology, the story will change for the better.
“We need to make the subject more interesting and not frightening to students.
“When a Mathematics teacher goes into the class as if he were going to fight a war, the students will be immediately frightened and their interest will vanish,” he said.
The mathematics scholar encouraged all teachers to be professional in discharging their responsibilities, especially in early childhood education.
Mr Uhaweren described pupils as clean slates upon which teachers imprint values.
He said teachers should know that part of the qualities of a professional teacher includes the ability to come to the students’ level.
“It involves carrying them along and attending to individual differences without fear or favour as well as being their mentor and model,” he said.
Uhaweren said part of the unwritten curriculum was the state of insecurity in the country.
He advised schools to begin to train their students in line with the two forms of curriculum.
The mathematician advised the government at all levels to fix the nation’s education sector, adding that lowering or abandoning quality education could destroy a nation faster than an atomic bomb.
He also appealed to the federal government to combat insecurity bedevilling the nation’s peace.
