A University Don, Professor Abayomi Adelaja Arigbabu, has explained why there exists a big disconnect between the mathematics learnt in the classroom and that which is used outside in everyday human activities.
Arigbabu, a Professor of Mathematics Education and Dean, College of Science and Information Technology of Tai Solarin University of Education, delivered the second inaugural of the institution on the theme: “Beyond The Cuboid: Imperatives For An Aids-Free, Mathematically Literate Society”.
In the lecture, the scholar examined the day-to-day individual actions, explicably illustrating with real life examples. He further highlighted methodologies that can be utilized to effectually teach mathematics for better understanding, citing a number of researches he had conducted as part of his contribution to knowledge in mathematics and its pedagogy at all levels of the educational system.
The paper also addressed the unnecessary ‘math war’ he described as “diversionary”, stressing the need for synergy between research mathematicians and mathematics education researchers in order to achieve a mathematically literate society.
To many who attended the occasion, the presentation demonstrated Prof. Arigbabu’s capability to demystify mathematics and mathematical concepts, even as he has influenced learners towards the field in the past two and half decades.
In his remark, Vice-Chancellor of TASUED, Prof. Segun Awonusi, commended the lecturer for taking the audience through the history of the number game and explaining that the complexity of numeric representation need not scare people.
Speaking further, the VC said “Prof. Arigbabu also clearly showed that AIDS is not limited to health challenge but also refers to innumeracy in contradistinction to dyscalculia in everyday life. With a tinge of humour he made us realise that we can work beyond the cuboid when we ensure our children are brought up in a way that they perceive everyday life through the mathematical prism.”
“He also delved into the national challenge of the dearth of mathematics teachers, and the quantum of core-subject knowledge of the teachers. He argued that teaching becomes effective when educators become creative, do and understand a proper audience analysis as well as learners’ need analysis such that mathematics is then taught for both instrumental and relational understanding.”
The English Studies don further noted that: “Prof. Arigbabu has raised our confidence in the fact that our pioneering effort at running a university of education in Nigeria is on the right path and we are uniquely contributing to teacher education in Nigeria – a feat all of us, government, and people in Ogun State and the whole of Nigeria should be proud of.”
The event held at the OGD Lecture Theatre of the University Main Campus had in attendance the Management team of the institution, the former Pro-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Yinusa Oyeneye; former Vice Chancellor, University of Uyo, Prof. Fola Lasisi; Rector, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic Abeokuta, Arch. Tokunbo Fowode.
Others are principal officers of the institution, staff and students, royal fathers, several organizations, and other invited guests.
