In this study, American pre-service teachers' responses on Kimball's Nature of Science Survey (NOSS) were used as a basis for analyzing the sense of "the nature of science" held by a group of Nigerian pre-service science teachers. In comparing the responses it was apparent that the Nigerian students were much more inclined to see science as a way of producing useful technology than were the American students. This tendency was attributed to government policies which view technology as needed for its country's development. The second distinction indicated in the study related to the "openness" of science. The Nigerian students perceived scientists to be nationalistic and secretive about their work. This conclusion is discussed in light of the tendency for developing nations to see science as a necessary stimulant for their country to compete economically in the world, and science teachers are seen to figure largely in this vision. Concerns are expressed about the image of Western science that is portrayed by the international media. (TW)