An expert in industrial and computational mathematics, Mrs Ifeyinwa Madu, has raised the alarm over the declining performance of students in mathematics and its negative impact on career opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.
Mrs Madu, a Chief Lecturer at Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, currently researching in the USA, highlighted that poor results in maths are affecting professions such as accounting, computer science, and engineering and called for urgent action to address this issue.
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) recently reported worrying statistics from the 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), revealing that about 28% of candidates failed to earn credit passes in both English Language and Mathematics.
Out of over 1.8 million candidates, only about 1.3 million passed at least five subjects, including these two core subjects.
Mrs Madu pointed out that the problem goes beyond just the students or teachers.
She said the root causes lie in weak foundational education, institutional failures, and societal attitudes toward maths education.
She urged policymakers at all levels to take responsibility instead of blaming only mathematics teachers.
Referring to a 2023 academic study from Nigerian universities, she stated that education authorities, parents, and students all share responsibility for the poor performance.
Mrs Madu recommended reviewing the current mathematics curriculum, introduced in 2011 and called on the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) to lead efforts in reforming maths education.
She also spoke on distracting and keeping talented teachers through better pay and improved working conditions.
“If teaching becomes one of the best-rewarded professions, it will naturally attract the brightest minds,” she said, urging the government and the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) to make teaching a more appealing career choice.
Mrs Madu warned that industries relying on strong maths skills are already suffering, putting students’ hopes in STEM careers at risk.
She further stated the role of parents in encouraging a positive attitude toward mathematics at home despite economic challenges.
She expressed concern that students are idolising fraudsters and neglecting academic effort due to a lack of moral guidance, calling for families, communities, and religious leaders to work together to restore discipline and motivation.
Finally, Mrs Madu appealed to Nigerian professionals abroad to support the revitalisation of Nigeria’s education sector by contributing resources and expertise to rebuild schools and create better learning environments.
“No meaningful learning can take place without conducive conditions. It is time to give back,” she concluded.
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