Issues that are responsible for mass failure of key subjects such as Mathematics, English Language among other science subjects in schools, have been traced to dearth of competent hands and lack of incentives on the part of the government.
Making the submission were education stakeholders at the fourth edition of the annual Spelling Bee/ inauguration of Mathematics Club of the Ibadan Grammar School (IGS), held recently at the Emmanuel Alayande Hall of the school.
The event, which was organised by the Urban Books and Technology, USA, was sponsored by Mr Jide Ogungbadero, a member of the 1965/69 set of the school in commemoration of his 73rd birthday.
Speaking on the importance of Mathematics at the event, a Mathematics guru, Professor Aderemi Abass Adedibu, also a 1967-’71 alumnus of the school, said, aside that Mathematics provides effective way of building mental discipline, encourages logical reasoning and mental rigour, it’s knowledge plays a crucial role in understanding the contents of other school subjects such as science, social studies and even music and art.
He attributed the problems facing Mathematics and science subjects, generally in secondary school to three triangular factors- the government, teachers and parents.
He said: The government often employs people based on politics. When we start putting politics into employment processes, we are looking for problems. How can you employ someone who specialises in Accounting Education to Mathematics? Some people get into the teaching job for the sake of money, not because they want to impart knowledge.
Aside from the fact that there are not enough teachers to teach Mathematics in schools today, most of the teachers who teach the subject fail to update their knowledge on new trends on how to handle the subject in this time and age. Most of them do not subject themselves to constant trainings; neither do they attend workshops, seminars or conferences to acquire new skills.
Also, some parents demoralised their children based on their personal experience based on their own personal experiences. Some of them will say, “Mathematics is too difficult, you can’t understand it.” On the other hand, some of these children are too lazy to go the extra mile in knowing more.
He, therefore, charged the government to provide special allowances for teachers who teach Mathematics and science subjects in secondary schools to attract more competent hands, especially for those who teach them in rural areas; equip Mathematics laboratories in school as well as give adequate monitoring.
He applauded the Urban Books and Technology Inc., USA, saying, “You are not only imparting knowledge but also nurturing and inspiring our young minds. Your tireless efforts in creating a supportive and stimulating learning environment around the world are greatly appreciated.”
The national coordinator of the annual competition, Mr Hakeem Suara, disclosed that the Spelling Bee was sponsored by the Urban Books and Technology, Inc., which is the brainchild of Mr. Olajide Ogungbadero, in commemoration of his 73rd birthday.
He hinted that the annual competition and the ‘Pick up a Book Instead of a Weapon’ campaign in Nigeria, which has its base in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, where the benefactor resides, “serves as catalysts for this generation of youths; to equip them for nation building, as well as to raise the bar of education standards in IGS and in the country at large”.
Spelling Bee, according to him, is meant to stir up the reading culture in students of the school in order to prepare and motivate them to seek higher educational opportunities and a better life and prevent them from being involved in criminal activity.
Speaking about the new Maths Club initiative in IGS, he said it is meant to spur the interest of students and enhance their capacity in the subject, just as they have in English Language through the Spelling Bee.
While pledging the support of Urban Books and Technology, Inc., he said the Old Students as body had decided to support the initiative with a Mathematics laboratory to aid the teaching and learning activities in the club being led by a 10-man team, Mathematics teachers of the school.
“The club is open to all the students of the school,” Suara said.
In his remarks, the principal of the senior school, Mr E. A. Ogunleye, expressed joy at the official inauguration of the Maths Club, just like the Spelling Bee, will promote a healthy academic rivalry among our students. Aside from that, passing these two key subjects will provide the opportunity for our students to advance their course academically and make positive impact in life.”
He thanked Mr Ogungbadero for the scheme and the entire old students for the passion and dedicating to their alma mater, as well as the commitment to the academic performance of the current students of the school.
The national president, Ibadan Grammar School Old Student Association (IGSOSA), Mr Gafar Ojetola, represented by the home branch chairman, Professor Siji Adeogun, enjoined the students to take advantage of the programmes to enhance the quality of their educational performance, especially in aspects of English Language and Mathematics.
He commended the sponsor for the initiative and the national coordinator of the Urban Books and Technology, Inc, USA and other team members for organising such a programme to enhance the academic progress of the students.
Speaking at the event, younger sister of the sponsor, Mrs Lateefat Abimbola Giwa, attested to the fact that “Mr Ogungbadero is a lover of education, who can go to any length when it comes to supporting the academic pursuit of any family member.”
At the end of the Spelling Bee, six winners emerged and they were rewarded with cash and other consolation prizes.
In the senior category, Hareef Ayoola came first; David Osofisan, second; and Samuel Samson came third. In the junior category Uthman Macaulay was in the first position; Yusuf Popoola came second; and AbdulSalam Ajibade was in the third position.
The highlights of the event were the official inauguration of a Maths Club and its 10-man team Mathematics teachers from the school, Mathematics competition between the senior and the junior classes and giving of bursary award to some university undergraduates of the school.
Others are donations of seven three-seater desks and benches to the school by Chief (Mrs) Claudia Owumi Olorogun, a native of Delta State, who resides in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, and distribution of 1,000 exercise books to the students of the school.
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