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Research Growth and Thematic Priorities in Nigerian Mathematics Education: A Web of Science Bibliometric Perspective

Fiepre C. Y. Aprebo PhD

Abstract

Research in mathematics education in Nigeria has expanded significantly over the past six decades, reflecting evolving pedagogical priorities and increasing scholarly engagement. This study employed a bibliometric research design to examine the growth patterns, publication trends, and dominant thematic priorities of mathematics education research in Nigeria from 1960 to 2025, using the Web of Science Core Collection. A total of 1,230 publications were analyzed using descriptive and inferential bibliometric techniques, including frequency analysis, co-authorship networks, citation analysis, and thematic mapping, with visualization through VOSviewer and Bibliometrix. Findings indicate a clear upward trajectory in publication output, with minimal research in the 1960s–1970s, moderate growth in the 1980s–1990s, and substantial increases from 2000 onward, reflecting expanded research capacity, institutional development, and global visibility. Thematic analysis revealed that curriculum and teaching methods were dominant in the early decades, while student achievement, problem-solving, technology integration, equity, and teacher professional development emerged as prominent research areas in recent years. These findings suggest that Nigerian mathematics education research has not only grown quantitatively but has also diversified qualitatively, addressing both foundational and contemporary educational challenges. Based on the findings, the study recommends strengthening research capacity and collaboration, and focusing future investigations on emerging and understudied themes to enhance the relevance, inclusivity, and impact of mathematics education scholarship in Nigeria.

Keywords

Mathematics educationNigeriaBibliometric analysisThematic prioritiesResearch trendsWeb of Science

References

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