Mathematics, Science and Technology Education: Their Place in the Nigeria National Transformation Agenda

ABSTRACT Mathematics, Science and Technology Education is indisputably recognised worldwide as essential tools for effecting national development. The developed economies of the world such as Japan, China, Germany and United State of America (U.S.A) have always accorded mathematics, science and technology high priority to the extent that 10% of their enormous Gross National Product (GNP) is spent on science and technology. In Nigeria however, in spite of the proliferation of universities, polytechnics and research institutes, less than 1% of GNP is budgeted for funding of science and technology. Hence, the transformation agenda of the Nigerian Government and its Vision 20:2020 would be a mirage except mathematics, science and technology takes the central and leadership role as the major driver of the nation's program. It is based on this that the research is focused on the implication of mathematics, science and technology on the national transformation agenda of the Federal Government of Nigeria. The research also highlights some missing links on how mathematics, science and technology can transform the economy and the challenges of the opportunity of using the skills and knowledge acquired in Mathematics, Science and Technology to bring about the most needed scientific and technological growth in Nigeria. The research recommends among others that the Nigerian Government should adequately fund mathematics, science and technology programs and research in higher institutions. The research concludes that the federal government should make it mandatory for the industrial sector to join international bodies in order to facilitate scientific and technological development by commercializing research results in mathematics, science and technology