Why Nigerian Children Struggle with Maths

It’s no secret that many Nigerian children struggle with maths. Parents spend heavily on extra lessons, yet the fear of numbers continues to hold back countless students. But why is maths such a challenge, and what practical solution can parents explore beyond the usual “extra coaching”? The answer may lie in an ancient but powerful tool — the abacus.

Poor Foundation at Early Stages
Many children don’t get a strong foundation in basic number concepts during nursery and lower primary school. Without this, more advanced topics feel like climbing a steep hill.
Memorization Over Understanding
In many classrooms, maths is taught as a subject of memorization instead of exploration. Children memorize multiplication tables without truly grasping number relationships.
Fear and Anxiety Around Numbers
A common mindset in Nigeria is “maths is hard.” When children hear this repeatedly from peers, teachers, or even parents, they internalize it, leading to maths anxiety.
Overcrowded Classrooms
With 40–60 students in many public classrooms, teachers may not have enough time to give personal attention to struggling learners.
Overreliance on Calculators
Some children turn to calculators too early, missing the opportunity to develop strong mental maths skills.

How the Abacus Can Change That

Builds Strong Foundations
Abacus introduces numbers in a visual and hands-on way. Children don’t just “see” numbers — they “feel” them. This builds a deep understanding of basic arithmetic.
Transforms Fear Into Fun
For children, abacus feels more like a game than a lesson. The fun of moving beads engages them, reducing maths anxiety and building confidence.
Boosts Concentration and Memory
Abacus requires focus and visualization. Over time, children develop sharper concentration and memory — skills that extend beyond maths.
Strengthens Mental Maths Skills
With consistent practice, children move from bead manipulation to solving problems mentally. This mental maths ability becomes a lifelong advantage.
Encourages Independent Thinking
Abacus learners are trained to solve problems independently, improving not just calculation speed but also logical reasoning and critical thinking.

Real-Life Impact for Nigerian Children

A child who once needed 5 minutes to add two numbers can do it in seconds after abacus training.
Parents report higher confidence, not only in maths but also in other subjects, because children begin to believe they can “figure things out.”
Teachers notice that abacus-trained children participate more in class and are less afraid of tackling challenging maths questions.

Why Parents Should Consider Abacus Training

For parents frustrated by endless maths struggles, abacus is not just another lesson — it’s a proven brain development tool. By enrolling your child early (ideally between ages 4–12), you give them a lifelong advantage in maths and beyond.

At SIMA Abacus, we specialize in unlocking the hidden potential of Nigerian children through world-class abacus and mental maths training. If your child is struggling with maths, now is the time to turn their fear into confidence.

📞 Call us today: +2348135178604, +2347017275320
📧 Email: simaabacus@gmail.com
🌍 Visit: simaabacus.com