Don Proffers Solutions to Problems of Science Education in Nigeria

Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti 

A professor of Science Education at Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti (EKSU), Samuel Akingbade Jegede, has proposed rescue actions to curb the asphyxiating and undulating of science education in Nigeria.

He made this known at the 81st inaugural lecture of the institution, tagged ‘Science Education in Nigeria: Asphyxiating But Undulating’.

He stated that the overcrowded nature of science classes, inappropriate teaching methods, and inadequate teachers in quality and quantity contribute to the undulation of science education.

He also noted the unavailability of laboratories, equipment and instructional materials as a lag to science education, as a home factor, difficult concepts in science, students’ language proficiency and teacher morale.

To effect adequate change, Jegede urged the state government “to raise funds from the Industrial tax which can be used to augment their expenditure in funding science education.”

He also called on the government and concerned stakeholders to constantly engage teachers in in-service training, seminars, workshops and conferences.

To solve overcrowded classes, teachers “should diversify their methods and employ student-centred approaches to learning,” he said, stressing that the “current science classrooms should be activity-laden with emphasis on the laboratory-based method of instruction.”