By Joshua Ibeazor
October 1st every year, Nigeria celebrates its independence anniversary. This year 2022 marks the 62nd year since the country became an independent nation with the end of colonial rule.
With an estimated population of about 204 million people, Nigeria today is the most populous Black nation on Earth and the seventh most populous country in the world by whose report.
Nigeria gained independence from the British Empire in 1960, initially adopting a British style of government with Abubakar Tafawa Balewa as the first Nigerian head of government (prime minister). Report had it that the country’s population then was over 45million people.
On January 15, 1966, Nigeria had its first military coup. The country had had a succession of military governments rule for 29 years, until the restoration of democracy in 1999.
Since Nigeria independence in 1960, there have been five military coup d’états in Nigeria. The period between October 1, 1960, when the country gained its independence and January 15, 1966, when the first military coup d’état took place, is also generally referred to as the First Republic. Between 1966 and 1999, Nigeria was ruled by a military government without interruption, apart from a short-lived return to democracy under the Second Nigerian Republic of 1979 to 1983. However, the most recent coup occurred in 1993, and there have been no under Fourth Nigerian Republic, which restored multi-party democracy in 1999.
As reported, Nigeria’s national movement and freedom struggles were unorganized. After independence, the Nigerian constituency still struggles with instability and disorganization. According to research the major challenges of the Nigerian state have been classified thus; firstly, the large ethnic diversity that makes constitution acceptable for all. Secondly, is the existing diversity in the social and economic status of the ethnic tribes. Thirdly, is the increasing tendencies of regionalism which often affects the unity. Fourthly, is the building up of the essential judiciary, parliamentary system, and leadership. Fifthly, is the corruption even from the government officials which affects the economy, over-dependence on oil and the non-saving culture.
Unfortunately, these problems have persisted since independence. Several democratic and military governments have on their part put in several efforts to ensure the actualization of national unity, the strengthening of the judiciary and the parliaments, the eradication of corruption and the building of a strong economy. All these they have done through the introduction of policies and mechanisms.
What are the economic policies that the first regime after independence and the subsequent ones have put in place?
In spite of all these, however, not much significant progress has been achieved considering our years of independence, the human and natural resources at our disposal. The big questions are; why do these problems linger? How can these issues be addressed? What other measures should be taken to tackle these issues? This calls for a paradigm shift, a change and a new orientation.
A Chinese philosopher Confucius said, “if your plan is for one year, plant rice; if your plan is for ten years, plant trees; if your plan is for one hundred years, educate children”. There is therefore need to harness the tool of education for a desired change. In the words of Afolabi, education has been recognized as an instrument par excellence for affecting national development.
At the core of Nigeria education system is Mathematics. A core subject in the basic education and secondary education levels. Education will not be complete without Mathematics. Mathematics is an essential discipline that is recognized as a tool for solving everyday problem faced by individual. Mathematics is an important subject as the knowledge of it enhances a person’s reasoning, problem-solving skills and in general, the ability to think.
What then is the role of Mathematics education in this new age? The place of mathematics as a way forward in this year’s independence celebration is that it is a tool for the attainment of the vision of any government both incumbent and incoming; and it holds the potency to everyday problems being encountered by the individuals in our nation.
One of the trusted instruments of solving problems or challenges is Mathematics widely regarded as the science of all sciences and the art of all arts. Mathematics is the bedrock of transformation. Rapid, national development can be achieved through the application of Mathematics on nearly all, if not all national issues. In the words of Greer, Mathematics education must therefore give mental pleasure and develop creativity. Creativity leads to scientific innovation, industrial and economic transformation. Mathematics is a tool for achieving national transformation.
Mathematics can be used in finding solutions to everyday problems such as electricity, road, security etc. It stands to reason that Mathematics can be applied to every aspect of human and national development including the unity, economic development and social development of our nation Nigeria.
The goal of any government anywhere is the betterment of the society, by ensuring economic growth, development of infrastructure, national security, social justice and improvement in the welfare of all citizens. The current as well as previous government of Nigeria has shown the ambition to transform the nation and we have seen the manifestation in last seven years of this government whose tenure will elapse in few months. We are in the middle of an election cycle and the campaign for a new government has begun. It is essential that any government that will take over from the incumbent should not only wish for a better Nigeria but must work for it, knowing that it only has a time frame of four years for a landmark achievement.
What then is the role of Mathematics in attaining the vision of the government and in the emergence of a new Nigeria?
The importance of Mathematics as a way forward lies in the fact that achieving a greater and prosperous Nigeria is a goal that can only be achieved soundly and practically. And Mathematics is a prism for achieving it. Mathematics is a core school subject that can enable the emergence of a new Nigeria. According to Adetunde, mathematics forms the foundation of a solid education and is the corner stone of modern society. He further stressed that the overall national development of any nation and the building of a healthy, happy and prosperous society or nation cannot be achieved without Mathematics. In the words of Gladys Charles-Ogan she opined that the pursuit of Mathematics is vital and imperative for any society, community or nation in order to maintain independence, ensure increased prosperity and keep its place among the civilized nation of the world in this era of technology.
It has been widely agreed that the knowledge of Mathematics is a necessity for social and economic transformation of any nation. Most developed countries have used the opportunities offered by the increase in Science and technology and Mathematics. Countries like Singapore, South Korea, India, Malaysia and Indonesia which in the 1960’s were at the same level of development as Nigeria have witnessed improvement in their economy through the development of technology, science and Mathematics.
It is therefore necessary at this stage of our dear nation, that those occupying the seats of government needs the knowledge of Mathematics in the form of logic to form logical, reasonable and accurate decisions as well as laws and policies to establish environment that will help every sector of the nation to grow and prosper. On the other hand, citizens who are also the occupants of government positions cannot do without Mathematics. This is because all aspects of governance require some elements of Mathematics. HAPPY INDEPENDENCE NIGERIA!
(Written by Joshua Ibeazor, a PTA Mathematics teacher, JSS Wuse Zone 3 abuja.
jibeaor@gmail.com. 08184728918)