Abuja – Professors of Mathematics from Sweden and Luxembourg, have called for extensive training of Nigerian students in Mathematics and other sciences.
The professors made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Thursday.
They said that the measures would enable the students to compete favourably with their counterparts worldwide.
According to the scholars, advanced level of Mathematics incorporated in developed countries has yet to be replicated n Nigeria’s secondary school level.
Prof. Paul Vaderlind of the University of Stockholm, Sweden listed extensive training and enthusiastic teaching as tools needed to advance the study of Mathematics in Nigeria.
“Certainly, they are bright, they have not the same background as students from some other countries who excel in Mathematics like China and United States, but they are certainly bright and capable.
“What they need is just extensive training and that will benefit both them and the country.
“But what is most important is to let students discover how fun Mathematics really is and how much you can do with Mathematic.
“And what you need basically, is well educated teachers; teachers who cannot only transfer knowledge but also enthusiasm towards Mathematics.’’
Prof. Charles Leytem of the University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg, who is involved in the training of African students for international competitions, said creative teaching methods would make Nigerian students excel.
“They are doing okay; it’s just that the problem is in the secondary school education which is formal for these (international) competitions.
“You need creativity and so it’s a different type of approach, different type of training and so you have to expose students regularly over years to problem solving just like other students.’’
NAN recalls that the 2015 WAEC results recently released, indicated that 61 per cent of candidates who sat for the exams failed Mathematics and English Language.
Both professors are part of the training team for the upcoming Pan-African Science Olympiad which would begin on Saturday in Abuja. (NAN)
