CHAPTER ONE

1.1 BACKGEOUND OF THE STUDY
Mathematics was originated in Egypt and Mesopotamia in the first era of civilization. Mathematicians of this time used a primitive geometry in determining land boundaries, building irrigation systems and other things, about 6th century BC. Mathematics was established as a logical deductive science and profs was applied to geometic theorems Notably, Greek mathematics and such as Pythagoras, thales, Archimedes and Apologies contributed a lot to the development of mathematics up to what it is today.
Definition according to international encyclopedia mathematics was defined as a study of points flintily, lines and figures in space but later enlarged to invade the study of more abstract and basic concepts. Broadly speaking, mathematics is divided into two main branches.

1. Applied mathematics; which deals with natural phenomena
2. Pure mathematics; which deals with abstract phenomena.

Its branches include geometry arithmetic’s algebra, probability, statistics, deferential and integral calculus. The role of mathematics in economic, cultural, social agriculture, educational communication, scientific and technological development of a nation like Nigeria, cannot be fully appreciated unless their significance and nature are determined.
The study of mathematics for instance, has made significant contribution to medicine, agriculture science and technology consequently the study of medicine has improved the health of individuals worldwide and agriculture has enhanced economic development of many countries. Since the beginning of this century more economist have come to depend on mathematical tools for analyzing not only abstract economic problem but also real problems of economics planning and policy the computer revolution during the past few years was facilitated by the direct application of mathematics.
Fanfunwa (1967) suggested that is by introducing mathematics as a compulsory subject at both primary and secondary levels will as by conducting mass science (mathematics) campaign among adults that Africans will be able to move rapidly from the static role of a spectator to that of action in the breath taking scientific age.
Mathematics being the bedrock of all science is the key that leads to a better understanding of all other science and their relationship with the natural world as means toward economics survival. The subject teaches how to observe nature consciously and logically. The learning develops in the student both the skill of accuracy and a degree of honesty.
Ejiogu (1986) it brings to bear on the fear, being expressed today as regards the poor performances in mathematics being experienced in our secondary education today even higher institution of learning are out free from this dilemma
For some years now, most state secondary school students perform badly and quite below expectation in mathematics. This work therefore intends to investigate the reasons behind this unhealthy performance and give possible recommendations on how to solve the problem.

1.2 NEED FOR THE STUDY
In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of candidates offering mathematics in West African school certificate Examination (WASCE) with high number of failure. The subject is compulsory for all the study and also the key to further ones education in major areas of discipline, more so, the scientific and technological breakthrough which is spends billions of Naira to bring to reality is centered on the subject (mathematics).
Having realized the important and subsequent contribution of mathematics in the areas of science, social and economics enhancement, technology, and education, agriculture efficiency in management and bilateral relation with other countries, the need to encourage the study and development at all levels remains a fact that cannot be resisted
Mathematics have become a terror to many students, this is not only challenging but also a treat to our educational institutions and future of our society. It because world while to question the reasons behind the poor performance of students in these care subjects for a healthy improvement and meaningful contribution to the progress of the state secondary school and the society at large, this study seek to invest gate into the factors that give rise to this shabby performance, analyses them and make recommendation based on the following findings.

1.3 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
The aims and objectives of this study include the following

1. To find out whether students and teachers opinions on the coverage of syllabus is dependent on school
2. To determine whether students opinion on the student level of interest on the subject is dependent on class
3. To find out the ratio of student to teachers on the course (mathematics)) (i.e. those who specialize in mathematics).
4. To recommend solutions to the problems.

1.4 SCOPE OF THE SURVEY
The frame for this survey consists of only state secondary school in Owerri having JSS and SSS classes. The list was obtained from the statistics unit of the state education commission of imo state, Owerri. The scope for this study covers total population of 13600 JSS and SSS students, 128 mathematics teachers and 10 principal.

1.5 SIGNIFICANT OF THE STUDY
In recent years, there have been an increase in the number of candidate offering mathematics in both junior and senior secondary school examination (JSS/SSCE) with high number of failure with this study, it will be possible to find the contributing factors to this failure. This is because the first step of finding the solution to a problem is determining the source of the problem it self
If the problems is from the nature of the syllabus this can be restructured to suit the school’s curricula. If the problem starts from the junior secondary level, it then means that it is poor academic foundations that bring about the final failure for some years, the teachers have been bearing the blame as the sole offended in this case as a result of neglect of responsibility. This study will determine if and otherwise to what extent this assertion is true. If it is true, it then means that the standard of teaching in the schools have to be improved. If on the other hands, the teachers are dissatisfied because of poor tending environment and disincentive work it then means that the government has to try to improve the working conditions of the teachers

1.6 LIMITATIONS
Government secondary schools in Owerri have been chosen to study in this research work but to reduce cost 10 out of the 39 of them will be chosen randomly to study wabehov of the schools in Owerri owned by government.
Primary data’s will be collected from the students, teachers and the principals of those ten (10) secondary school and secondary data from the ministry of education Owerri to enable me study this work perfectly those reductions will be made due to cost and time constant.