Oluwafemi Dairo, a seasoned professional, education consultant and lead consultant at Knowledge Station International is dedicated to advancing education in Nigeria. In this interview with YEJIDE GBENGA-OGUNDARE, she speaks on the need for government and stakeholders in education to engage experts in Mathematics curriculum for students to pass the subject with ease.
How did your passion for mathematics evolve?
My journey into the education sector began precisely in 2009, driven by a deep seated passion for change in the education sector with keen interest in proffering solutions to the alarming rate of failure in mathematics in Nigeria. Through the years, my dedication to the subject has only grown stronger, fueling my commitment to improving mathematics education.
Is failure rate the motivation behind setting up the mathematics students’ summit and mathematics teachers’ workshop?
The motivation behind organising Mathematics Students’ Summit (MSS) and Mathematics Teachers Workshop (MTW) stemmed from the need to address gaps in mathematics education in Nigeria as the rate of failure in mathematics is alarming and this in turn has discouraged many students from pursuing their desired career. Furthermore the desired goal to assist students to pass mathematics with ease will not be possible if teachers are not empowered with the adequate tools, skills and knowledge required.
What challenges did you face in promoting mathematics education in Nigeria?
Key challenges in promoting mathematics education include overcoming fear or anxiety associated with the subject and ensuring accessibility to quality resources. Through targeted initiatives and collaborative efforts, we have been able to tackle these challenges. I also believe that the campaign for change in Nigeria Education will only sprout if change is embraced, this is the reason our training initiatives and projects at Knowledge Station International are comprehensive, inclusive and mind-enlighten so as to cause a paradigm shift from stereotyped way of thinking unto a broader horizon.
How do you ensure that your training programmes and initiatives are innovative and engaging?
Our training programmes and projects are geared towards incorporating interactive activities, real world application and technology-driven tools to make mathematics more accessible and simplified for both students and the teachers. We are also mindful of the fact that our major goal is to proffer solution; therefore our resources are well researched and thoroughly put together.
One memorable moment was witnessing a transformation in the result of students in a particular state in Nigeria. The students had attended our three days mathematics Students Summit where they were tutored on how to prepare adequately for mathematics examinations and the results were mind-blowing as there was drastic improvement in the mathematics grades and the numbers of students who gained admission into the tertiary institution increased greatly, this was a satisfying and fulfilling moment not just for me as the lead consultant but for my team as well. It was also considered a win to the state government as we have assisted in proffering solution to a challenge that had plagued the education sector of the state over the years.
How do stay updated with the latest developments and trends in mathematics education?
I stay updated with the latest development and trends in mathematics education through continuous professional development, attending conferences (both local and international), networking with peers and staying abreast of relevant research and publication.
What advice do you have for principals, stakeholders and the government on how to improve education?
My professional advice to principals, stakeholders in education and the government is that they should embrace change and be willing to pay the price. If you aspire for improvement there must be a measure of sacrifice you are willingly to pay; the change in grade will not be delivered on a platter of gold but must be intentionally sourced for. Principals of schools should subscribe to training and retraining their teachers in order to equip them. The government should also engage the service of experts so that they can help in mathematics curriculum and other vital aspects that will facilitate the anticipated improvement.
What are your plans towards contributing to the field of mathematics education in Nigeria and internationally?
My future plans include expanding our outreach efforts, collaborating with more schools and educational institutions and leveraging technology to further enhance mathematics education on a broader scale.
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