Professor of Science Education, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Benneth Colman Uzoechi, has decried use of foreign academic curricula in some private schools.
Such practice he pointed out ” are disadvantageous to Nigerian children”.
Professor Uzoechi stated this when he delivered the 51st Inaugural Lecture of the University titled: “Creating Equitable Science Learning Environments: Integrating Nature and Nurture in Nigerian Classrooms.”
Professor Uzoechi noted that private schools in the country must stop the trend because it is inconsistent with Nigeria’s National Policy on Education.
According to him “The Nigerian child is put at a disadvantage because such curricula are not culture-friendly in terms of language, examples, illustrations, attitude development and culture heritage this does not provide for equity and citizenship development”.
The Professor of Science Education called on the Federal Government to regulate curriculum development and usage to monitor the schools to ensure they comply with the National Policy on Education adding that “this should be carried out by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council”.
Earlier in her remark, Vice-Chancellor of the University Professor Saadatu Hassan Liman, described the topic of the lecture as apt and resonated deeply with the academic community .
According to her “The theme of the lecture requires that as educators we are to create learning environments that will foster curiosity, creativity and critical thinking .
“However, in attending to these goals we often overlook the inherent inequalities that exist within our classrooms,” she said.
She called for a rethink in the approach to Nigeria’s Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, which according to her, is characterized by disparities in access, equality and outcomes.
The highpoint of the lecture was the presentation of Certificate and plaque of honor to Professor Uzoechi by the Vice-Chancellor Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman.
Professor Benneth Colman Uzoechi a member of the Governing Council of the University is also the Director of the Open Distance e-Learning Centre of Nasarawa State University, Keffi.
