CHAPTER ONE

Introduction

1.1 Background to the Study

 Mathematics often described as the language and backbone of science and technology is pervasive in all disciplines in today’s world. Actually, mathematical competence is vital to every individual’s meaningful and productive life. Outstanding mathematical ability, according to Adetula (1989), is a precious societal resource needed to maintain leadership in a scientific and technological world.

 The line of demarcation between the developed

(industrialized and wealthy) nations and the underdeveloped (non-industrialized and poor) nations is based on the level of mathematical attainment and ingenuity. Indeed without mathematics, there is no science, without science there is no modern technology and without modern technology there is no modern society. 

Mathematics as a specialized cognitive tool is an undisputed agent of nation’s development and wealth creation. Its application is universal to all learning and everyday living from counting possession to measuring properties, predicting events, computing taxes/profits, drawing maps/plans, planning budget or warefare, providing models, synthesizing results.

 All these are indication that mathematics is useful in domestic and business deals, scientific discoveries, technological breakthrough, problem solving and decision making in different situation in life (Kolawole and Olutayo, 2005). Actually, mathematics is a key to productive and

fulfilling life and is a big servant to humanity.

 A woman has an important role to play in the society in relation to mathematics and science education. Auhinen (1970) in Okoroh (2004) argued that with the fast automation and computerization of jobs, only persons with appreciable knowledge, skills and abilities in mathematics and science will be required in the job market. He added that moreso, suitable development could not be achieved as long as women were not in mathematics and in the science. 

 Odogwu (2002) supported Auhinen saying that female education is an important aspect of societal development. Our girl child require a strong knowledge of mathematics to help them to understand science and technical subjects. 

1.2 Statement of the Problem 

 In view of the importance of mathematics which prepares a child for science and technical or technology related professions such as engineering, technology and computer science, this study sought to analyze the performance of female students in mathematics in secondary schools in

Sokoto metropolis. 

1.3 Objectives of the Study 

        The objectives of this study are:

1.  To assess the performance of female students in mathematics 

2.  To find out factors that affect their performance in mathematics

1.4 Research Questions 

 In an effort to achieve the stated objectives of this study, the following questions are set. 

1.  What is the level of female students performance in mathematics in Secondary Schools in Sokoto

2.  What are the factors responsible for their performance?

1.5 Significance of the Study 

        The study will be useful in the following ways:

This is a study that concentrated on female students performance in mathematics thus, when completed, female students are likely to improve their performance in maths which will help them greatly in science subjects, it will also provide important information that should be of help not only

to teachers and parents but also to educational

administrators, policy makers and government in the task of improving the teaching and learning of mathematics.

1.6 Scope and Delimitations of the Study 

 This project is limited to the analysis of female student’s performance in mathematics in secondary schools in Sokoto metropolis.

 The research is limited to senior secondary two (SSII) in the selected secondary schools in Sokoto metropolis.