Assessment of Adequacy and Availability of Human and Material Resources for the Implementation of the Nigeria New Senior Secondary School Mathematics Curriculum

Abstract

In this study the authors examined the level of adequacy and
availability of human and material resources for the implementation of
the Nigeria newly introduced Mathematics Curriculum. The study was
based on the premise that successful implementation of the curriculum
depends on availability and adequacy of human and material resources.
This is because if well qualified mathematics teachers and instructional
materials are not available, no matter how well structured and
intentioned the new mathematics curriculum may be, its successful
implementation may not be achieved. The sample consisted of 110
senior secondary school mathematics teachers. They were randomly
selected from Abakaliki and Ebonyi local Government Areas, Ebonyi
State, Nigeria. One reliable and valid instrument titled “Mathematics
Teachers Questionnaire” was used. Results show that there are not
enough of qualified mathematics teachers in the schools. A sizeable
numbers of the teachers sampled did not read mathematics and some of
those who read mathematics did not have requisite teaching
qualification. Majority of the teachers did not belong to either of the
science and mathematics teacher professional bodies in Nigeria such as
Science Teachers Association of Nigeria and Mathematical Association
of Nigeria. Many schools do not have instructional facilities and
equipment. The author recommends that teachers should be encouraged
to become members of professional bodies and teachers without
professional qualification advised to do professional courses in
education.