Interrogating the Teaching and Learning of Chemistry in Nigerian Private Universities: Matters Arising
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Date
2021-05-14
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Journal of Education and Learning
Abstract
The indispensability and vast career possibilities associated with Chemistry notwithstanding, there is a palpable
growing decline enrollment in Chemistry in Nigerian universities, particularly the private universities. The paper
interrogated the teaching and learning of Chemistry in Nigerian private universities with a view to re-awakening
the students’ interest for effective mastery of the subject. It relied on secondary sources and critical analysis and
found out that major inhibiting factors include: Students’ faulty foundation in Chemistry, syndrome of area of
concentration, absence of competitiveness in the admission process, poor attitude of students and lecturers as
well as the ambience for effective scholarship. The paper concluded that the current downturn in the students
enrolment in Chemistry and the seemingly poor interest in the subject portend sufficient threat to the future of
Chemistry, chemical-related industries and the replacement of ageing Chemistry lecturers in Nigeria. It
recommended the following strategies to mitigate the vicious cycle: targeted tutorial system, adoption of digital
modes of teaching and learning, problem-based learning, capacity building initiatives for Chemistry lecturers,
quality assurance mechanism, overhauling science education at the primary and secondary school levels,
need-based assessment and provision of quality materials as well as adequate funding.
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Staff Publication
Keywords
teaching of chemistry,, learning of chemistry,, problem-based learning,, Nigerian private universities,, quality assurance