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Global Crisis On Nigeria Educational System: An Unprecedented Challenge For Stem Sustainability

Abstract

Teaching is an essential career that stimulates Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education. STEM education integrates concepts that are usually taught as separate subjects in different classes and emphasizes the application of knowledge to real life situations. This paper seeks to examine the unprecedented challenge for STEM sustainability based on global crisis on Nigeria educational system. The data were sourced from print, online resources and Researchers’ personal observation. Inadequate budgetary, poor planning, insecurity as a result of high rate of recent insurgency in the country, inadequate professional teachers, high out of school children were identified as some of the unprecedented challenge facing STEM sustainability in the country. The paper therefore, recommends that educational administrators, government parastatals should consider the desirability to rescue the destructive label of STEM sustainability in Nigeria educational system.

Keywords: Education, Globalization, sustainability, Instruction, Curriculum, Learning

Cite this article

APA 7th Style

Olaleye, B. O., Awobodu, V. Y., Oginni, A. M., & Ogunbanwo, C. M. (2023). Global Crisis on Nigeria Educational System: An Unprecedented Challenge for Stem Sustainability. Shodh Sari-An International Multidisciplinary Journal, 02(02), 234–244. https://doi.org/10.59231/SARI7584


MLA 9th Edition

Olaleye, Bolanle Omotoke, et al. “Global Crisis on Nigeria Educational System: An Unprecedented Challenge for Stem Sustainability.” Shodh Sari-An International Multidisciplinary Journal, vol. 02, no. 02, Apr. 2023, pp. 234–44. https://doi.org/10.59231/SARI7584.


Chicago Style

Olaleye, Bolanle Omotoke, Victoria Yetunde Awobodu, Aderonke Margaret Oginni, and Cecilia Mojisola Ogunbanwo. “Global Crisis on Nigeria Educational System: An Unprecedented Challenge for Stem Sustainability.” Shodh Sari-An International Multidisciplinary Journal 02, no. 02 (April 19, 2023): 234–44. https://doi.org/10.59231/SARI7584.

Impact Statement

 

The global crisis, especially the COVID-19 pandemic, has had a significant impact on Nigeria's educational system, especially in the areas of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education. One of the most significant impact is the disruption of traditional classroom learning leading to a shift to remote or online learning. However, this shift has been challenging for many students and teachers due to inadequate access to technology, internet connectivity issues and a lack of digital literacy skills. 

Additionally, this pandemic has exposed the longstanding challenges facing Nigeria's educational system including insufficient funding, inadequate infrastructure and the shortage of qualified teachers, especially in STEM fields. 

These challenges have threatened the sustainability of STEM education in Nigeria, which is critical for the country's economic growth and development. Without adequate investment in STEM education, Nigeria risks falling behind in the global technology race, which could have long-term implications for the country's economic competitiveness. Therefore, it is crucial for the Nigerian government and other stakeholders to address these challenges and invest in STEM education to ensure its sustainability and relevance in the face of global crisis and future uncertainties.


About The Author

 

Dr Bolanle Olaleye is an energetic and multi skilled Senior Lecturer in the Department of Chemistry, College of Science education at the Lagos State University of Education(LASUED), Nigeria . She completed her PhD at the Edith Cowan University, Perth, Western Australia in 2012. Her Areas of research included: High school science teachers’ skills and development, Developing and training students, teachers in institutions of higher learning and women in the society through entrepreneurial skills acquisition development project. She has passion for providing quality day-to-day classroom experiences for students through active engagement using series of hands-on activities and entrepreneurial skills development projects in chemistry to make students self-reliant in accordance with Nigeria’s objectives for achieving a quality educational system. Bolanle has also received many prestigious awards and scholarships both at home and abroad which amongst are: academic awards of Endeavour International Post graduate Research Scholarship (EIPRS) and Edith Cowan University International Scholarship (ECUIS) in 2009 and recently, 2022 International Women’s Day award as Winner of Influential Women in Education in Nigeria.

Bolanle is currently, serving as the Acting Director, Center for General Studies, Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship since 1st of August, 2022 . Bolanle has been matched with many Mentees (at Master and PhD academic level) at Edith Cowan University (ECU) through the university career Alumni Mentoring Program since 2019 till 2022. Dr. Bolanle is also an adept writer and has published many books, Chapters and Proceedings and have also presented articles in both local and International conferences. Lastly, owing to Dr Bolanle’s passion for students, she has supervised a large number of final year students with projects research both at the College and University level and she is a member of the Certified Teacher Registration Council of Nigeria.

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