Strive towards demystifying mathematics, govt urges teachers

THE Federal Government has challenged mathematics teachers to work towards demystifying the subject in order to banish the phobia among students and make it more appealing and interesting.

  Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. MacJohn Nwaobiala, made the call at the grand finale of the Annual Mathematics Quiz Competition organised by the ministry for senior secondary students of federal government colleges held in Abuja.

  The scribe noted that the knowledge of mathematics enhances students’ development of disposition such as curiosity, imagination and critical thinking that impact on their future successes.

 Represented by the Director of Planning, Research and Development, Mrs. Elizabeth Omotowa said: “In today’s world that is knowledge based, we are bombarded with data that must be collected, collated and analysed for decision making. It then becomes necessary that more students should pursue mathematical and technical occupations and have a strong understanding of mathematics that would open doors to productive future. Therefore, mathematics is not just a classroom skill, but a life time skill.” 

 As relevant as mathematics is, he said, it has always been a nightmare to most students. The phobia has been reflected in the poor performance of students in internal and external examinations.

  “To reverse this trend,” Nwaobiala said, “the Federal Ministry of Education, through its relevant agencies such as the National Teachers’ Institute, the National Commission for Colleges of Education and National Mathematical Centre, instituted different programmes aimed at improving the teaching and learning of mathematics.”

  He said the Annual Mathematics Quiz Competition is part of efforts by the ministry geared towards re-awakening students’ consciousness and interest in Mathematics.

  Commending the outstanding performance of the students in the competition, he urged principals and teachers of the colleges not to rest on their oars in preparing the students annually for the competition, saying, “This extra-curricular activity creates an opportunity for students to master mathematics skills.

  The grand finale of the competition, which featured 25 students from 20 schools across the country, saw Miss Fajuyi Olajumoke of Federal Government Girls’ College (FGC), Efon-alaaye, Ekiti State, emerging overall winner. 

  Master Animashaun Jamiu of Federal Science and Technical College, Yaba, Lagos and Miss Balogun Taiwo of Queens’ College, Yaba, Lagos emerged second and third respectively.

 Speaking at the occasion, the Acting Director, Technology and Science Education Department in the ministry, Mrs. Tina Eyaru, said that the competition will not only promote and boost the interest of the students in the subject, but will go a long way to build a well-grounded foundation for technological and science development.

 She said it would also banish the phobia that many students have for mathematics, as well as serve as a source of interaction and relations for both participating students and organisers.

  Other colleges that participated include FGC, Ikirun, Osun State; FGA, Suleja; Kings’ College, Lagos; FGC, Warri; FGC, Kaduna; FGGC, Benin; FGGC, Leijia, FGC, Enugu; FSTC, Jalingo; FGC, Keffi, FGC, Nise; FGC, Okposi; FGC, Ganye; FSC, Sokoto and FGGC, Bauchi.