Prof. Joseph Kayode of Mathematics Department, the Federal University of Technology, Akure ( FUTA), has described Mathematics as a way of life.
He said people, especially learners, should regard it so to thrash the myth that it was a difficult subject.
This is as he advocated the use of Nigerian languages to teach mathematics with local examples to further demystify the subject for learners.
Kayode enumerated different strategies that could be used to enhance the study of mathematics among students at all levels of the country’s education system.
He gave the advice while delivering the 141th inaugural lecture of the university with the title “Numeric: Bedrock of Human Endeavours” on Wednesday, in Akure.
The don said considering the importance of Mathematics to the study of any course and practice of any profession, it was expedient to put structures in place that would enable learners to easily assimilate mathematical concepts.
Kayode said efforts must be made by handlers of Mathematics from primary to tertiary levels of education to remove the induced phobia towards mathematics by making the subject friendly to learners.
He added that teachers must bring the contents of the subject to the level of the learners by majorly using local materials, relating examples to the day-to-day life experiences of teachers and learners.
The don also proposed that mathematics should be taught in local languages and dialects.
According to him,the proposal should be introduced in the curriculum for teaching Mathematics to pupils at the primary level for a better understanding of basic concepts upon which mathematics is built and developed.
He said this would be supported by the production of textbooks in local languages at the developmental stage of the learners.
“This will make early learners to easily internalize the subject and have little or no phobia for it.
” And, to discourage the importation of foreign teaching and laboratory materials, the government should also provide opportunities for local manufacturing of teaching materials and establishment of Mathematics laboratories in schools,” he said.
The don urged governments at all levels as well as private individuals to make concerted and focused efforts at improving funding of mathematical projects and research at all levels of mathematics education in the country.
Kayode urged schools to ensure employment of only qualified and competent Mathematics teachers to teach mathematics at all levels of education.
He stressed the need for regular training, retraining and remedial programmes for mathematics teachers to enhance their competence and relevance in modern pedagogy and handling of state-of-the-art teaching facilities.
The don, however, noted that to be able to attract and retain qualified, competent and experienced mathematics teachers, there was need to provide robust and attractive remuneration packages in form of allowances and incentives.
The lecturer said that everyone, in particular and the society in general, should be made to see Mathematics as a way of life and the language of living.
According to him, a massive public enlightenment campaign should be made through all media platforms to allay the fears students and parents’ exhibit towards mathematics.
In his words, the Chairman of the event, the Vice Chancellor of FUTA, Prof. Joseph Fuwape, said the lecture was cerebral and lauded its adept delivery.
Fuwape described Kayode as an erudite scholar who had demonstrated academic leadership in the university community and had contributed immensely to the development of body of knowledge in his area of his specialization.
