A seasoned professional and education consultant, Oluwafemi Dairo, has harped on the need for the government and other stakeholders in the education sector to engage experts in Mathematics curriculum to tutor students to pass the subject with ease.
 
Dairo, the lead consultant at Knowledge Station International (KSI), who spoke on the Mathematics Students’ Summit (MSS) and Mathematics Teachers Workshop (MTW), which she organises for teachers and students, said the summit/workshop stemmed from the need to address gaps in mathematics education in Nigeria.
 
According to her, the rate of failure in mathematics is alarming, noting that this has consequently discouraged many students from pursuing their desired careers.
 
“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,” she said.
 
Asked if she has encountered challenges in promoting this cause, Dairo said: “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’s education system will only sprout if change is embraced.

This is why our training initiatives and projects at Knowledge Station International are comprehensive, inclusive and mind enlightening so as to cause a paradigm shift from stereotyped ways of thinking unto a broader horizon.”

 
She explained that the 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  teachers, noting that her organisation is also mindful of the fact that its major goal is to proffer solutions; therefore its resources are well researched and thoroughly put together.
 
She recalled how the results of students in a particular state in the country witnessed transformation after attending the summit, adding that it’s memorable.
 
“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 number of students who gained admission into tertiary institutions 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,” she said.
 
Dairo said she stays updated on trends in mathematics education through continuous professional development, attending conferences (both local and international), networking with peers and staying abreast of relevant research and publications.
 
She, therefore, advised school principals, the government and other stakeholders in the education sector to 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 make. 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,” she said.
 
On her plans and goals for further contribution to education in Nigeria, Dairo said: “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.”
 
Dairo’s journey into the education sector began over a decade ago as a result of her deep rooted passion for change in the sector. With a keen interest in proffering solutions to the alarming rate of failure in mathematics, her passion for the subject has grown stronger through the years, fueling her commitment to improving mathematics education through workshops and summit.