Mathematics Education and Nigeria’s Economy beyond Oil: Implication for Mathematical Modelling

Abstract

Nigerian economy, being an oil-driven economy, requires mathematics in order to effectively put science and technology the front burner of national development. many developmental and economy challenges currently facing Nigeria as a nation, could be solved, if and when mathematical modeling is used to describe and analyze such problems. A mathematical modeling is a process of representing real world problems in mathematical terms I ab attempt to understand and find solutions to the problems. In this paper we review the role mathematical modeling can play in helping Nigeria economy to be diversified beyond oil. Processes of Mathematical Modeling were highlighted. Some applications of Mathematical modeling were equally examined. It was found out that mathematical modeling is one of the tools needed to transform the Nigeria economy from a developing to a developed economy. From the review it was recommended that the Nigeria Government should invest more in mathematics education at all levels –primary, secondary and tertiary – in order to train more mathematical modelers and provide the enabling environment for the teaching and learning of mathematics. Again, students should be motivated or encouraged to study mathematics in general and mathematical modeling in particular, through grants, loans and scholarships.