ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS OF BRIDGING THE GAPS IN MATHEMATICS STEM TEACHER EDUCATION IN NIGERIA

This paper looked at ethical Implication in STEM education with the view of emphasizing the need for bridging the gaps in Mathematics teaching and learning in Nigerian schools. The concept of ethics and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) teacher Education were highlighted. The paper argued that ethics which is a mechanism that provides a set of standards for behaviour and makes it easy to take decisions on how people act under different situations is of great importance in the present-day STEM education for relevance and global competitiveness. The needs for Mathematics in Primary Education, the objectives of STEM education and Teacher education programmes, the importance of Mathematics knowledge and skills in teaching and learning STEM courses are examined, the Ethics of Teaching Profession, the Ethics of Mathematics. Furthermore, Importance of STEM in teacher education, Importance of Mathematics to STEM Education and practices were outlined and relevant recommendations and Educational & Ethical Implications were made. The paper therefore recommends among others that the concept of current status of teacher education and Mathematics teacher Education in Nigeria should be incorporated in Mathematics Education curriculum, provision of facilities, equipment as well as training and retraining of Mathematics teacher should be given due attention.