Professor Mebine Advocates for Better Math Teaching and Funding in Nigeria
After nearly five years as Chief Executive Officer of the National Mathematical Centre (NMC), Prof. Promise Mebine has been appointed Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Otuoke (FUO) in Bayelsa State. Reflecting on his tenure, he emphasized the need for improved funding to sustain the centre and prevent its decline. In his new role, Mebine aims to produce graduates who are socially responsible and technologically empowered to address societal challenges.
Addressing the Fear of Mathematics
When asked about the poor understanding of mathematics among Nigerian students, Mebine attributed it to fear and perception rather than inherent difficulty. He noted that public schools have skilled teachers, but many are demotivated due to low remuneration, leading them to prioritize side businesses over teaching. "In public schools, every teacher has something to sell in the bag. Because their remuneration is very poor, they complement teaching with trade in order to survive," he explained.
To combat this, Mebine called for adequate education funding, better teacher welfare, and regular capacity-building training. He praised the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) for its efforts, highlighting partnerships that train primary and secondary school teachers on practical math approaches beyond formulas. "The approach is the problem, not that Nigerians lack acumen for STEM," he asserted, citing Nigerian students' success in international competitions, such as winning a gold medal out of eight in a recent event.
International Collaborations and AI Impact
Mebine detailed NMC's collaborations with international institutions, including ComSats in Pakistan and Trustee Italy, which involve up to four training sessions annually for teachers and researchers. Virtual trainings are also conducted with lecturers from South Africa and Malaysia when physical attendance is not feasible.
On the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in math learning, Mebine expressed caution. "AI is very helpful, but you must understand its application," he said, warning against misuse without proper refinement. He emphasized that AI can guide problem-solving steps, but foundational knowledge remains crucial for effective use.
Challenges and Vision for NMC
Discussing challenges at NMC, Mebine recounted struggles with land fencing and conflicts with villagers over electricity cables, citing insufficient government support. "The government is not doing enough for the agency," he stated, noting that budgeted funds for fencing were not released. He advocated for converting NMC into a National University of Mathematical Sciences, a proposal that has passed its First Reading in the National Assembly, to demonstrate commitment to STEM.
Mebine urged his successor to prioritize the centre's development over personal gain, emphasizing the need for a dedicated leader. "I wrote it down in black and white that I don't want a politician or someone only interested in what he gets," he said.
Policies for Academic Excellence
As Vice-Chancellor, Mebine's policies focus on academic excellence, relevant research, institutional sustainability, and community engagement. He criticized the current education system, where many graduates lack understanding of their studies, and envisioned producing intellectually trained individuals who can solve societal and environmental problems.
He stressed aligning programs with global standards and local realities, encouraging students to leverage local resources for community development. In research, his priority is environmental sustainability, using mathematical models to educate on the health impacts of pollution, such as in Port Harcourt where air quality issues affect lung health. "By bringing such information to the public domain, people would be deterred from actions that are not environmentally sustainable," he concluded.
