Re-Focusing on Basic Mathematics Literacy: A Veritable Tool for Poverty Alleviation in Nigeria

Abstract

Poverty is endemic in most nation of the world, Nigeria inclusive; and poverty alleviation is a key element in deliberate polices of any responsive government. it is on the basis; this paper seeks to re-focus on the basic Mathematics Literacy to serve as a veritable tool for poverty alleviation in Nigeria. The need for basic mathematics literacy as document all over the world is a bedrock for national development and that Mathematics must be taught during basic education lave. The paper also recognizes the important of Mathematics education for scientific and technology development which Nigeria is striving to attain as a developing nation. The stereotype in Nigeria society that Mathematics is for the few not the many is disabused, that functional Mathematics literacy is a panacea for poverty alleviation and, that Mathematics literacy is guided solely by utilitarianism, right to education acquisition, and education and capacity frameworks. The strategies such as mathematics thinking and reasoning, mathematical arguments and communications, modeling, etc. for developing competency need were also highlighted. It is imperative that there is the need for basic Mathematics Literacy: A veritable tool for poverty alleviation in our nation.