By Idris Yunusa
In a compelling discourse on TVC Breakfast Saturday, Uyiosa Ugiagbe, a distinguished Mathematics Education Research Assistant at the University of Georgia, United States, shed light on the critical state of STEM education in Nigeria and proposed transformative solutions to bridge the widening technological gap.
Ugiagbe, whose expertise spans both Nigerian and American educational systems, presented a stark comparison between STEM education in both nations. “While high school students in the United States are manufacturing helicopters and drones, we’re still grappling with basic STEM literacy in Nigeria,” he observed during the interview.
The educator’s innovative approach to STEM education stands out particularly in his emphasis on cultural relevance. Drawing from his research, Ugiagbe demonstrated how complex mathematical concepts like set theory can be taught using familiar scenarios from Nigerian markets – a methodology that transforms abstract concepts into relatable everyday experiences.
His assessment of Nigeria’s current standing in global innovation rankings – 113th out of 133 countries – serves as a wake-up call. However, Ugiagbe’s vision extends beyond mere criticism. He advocates for a comprehensive overhaul of the educational system, starting from the primary level, which he describes as “the foundation of human knowledge.”
A notable aspect of Ugiagbe’s expertise lies in his ability to challenge traditional educational dichotomies. “There’s this false dichotomy that people think they have to be either a science student or an arts student. No, you are a human student,” he emphasized, promoting an integrated approach to education that reflects real-world applications.
His proposed solutions are both practical and innovative. Uyiosa Ugiagbe calls for the establishment of specialized STEM hubs across major Nigerian cities, starting with Lagos. These hubs would serve as centers for practical experimentation and hands-on learning, making STEM education accessible to students from various backgrounds.
The mathematics educator’s vision for Nigeria’s STEM future is particularly relevant as we approach an era of increased technological advancement. “In the next 10 years, we’ll be talking about virtual reality in education,” he predicted, emphasizing the urgent need for Nigeria to adapt to global technological trends.
Uyiosa Ugiagbe’s expertise extends to policy recommendations, where he advocates for a tripartite approach involving government, private sector, and educational institutions. His call for investment in education is backed by a deep understanding of Nigeria’s resource allocation challenges, noting that “we don’t have a revenue problem in Nigeria, we have a spending problem.”
As Nigeria stands at the crossroads of educational transformation, Ugiagbe’s insights and recommendations provide a roadmap for revolutionizing STEM education. His work not only highlights the challenges but also offers practical, culturally relevant solutions that could position Nigeria as a future leader in STEM education across Africa.
Through his research and community engagement, Uyiosa Ugiagbe continues to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, working towards a future where Nigerian students can compete globally in STEM fields. His contribution to STEM education serves as a beacon of hope for educational reform in Nigeria.