(http://fmi.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/students_in_classroom_1-300x224.jpg) In a concerted effort to promote the teaching and learning of mathematics at the secondary level of the educational system, the Federal Ministry of Education has initiated competition in the subject among students in Federal Government Colleges across the country.
While he was speaking at the grand finale of the competition in Abuja, Barr. Ezemwo Nyesom Wike, the Minister of State for Education said that the competition came at the right time and is in line with the on-going initiative to enhance the teaching and learning of mathematics and the sciences through the Strengthening of Mathematics and Science Education (SMASE) project.
The Minister, who described mathematics as key subject in the academic development of students, said the competition targeted demystifying the phobia many students have for mathematics, as well as serve as a source of interaction, relaxation and mental exercise. He also called on the states to replicate same.
The Minister, who was represented by his Special Assistant (Technical), Dr. Olu Ayewo, said the competition would enable the students to showcase their in-depth knowledge of mathematics and to be more grounded for technological and science development.
While commending the dedication and commitment of teachers and students of the schools that emerged from the zonal level of the competition, the Minister urged them not to rest on their oars, saying that the Mathematics competition has come to stay and would be another landmark in the life of the Federal Unity Colleges.
In his welcome address, Engr. Michael K. Ofor, the Director, Technology and Science Department said that the importance of mathematics in all human endeavours, especially at this era of technology-driven economy, cannot be overemphasised.
He said students see the study of mathematics as nightmares, which has impacted negatively on their performances in the subject in external examinations like WAEC and NECO. The competition, he said, was to compliment other efforts being taken by the Ministry to arouse students' interest in the subject with a view to revise the trend.
A total of twenty Unity Colleges, which emerged from the zonal level, participated in the grand finale. At the end of the keenly-contested competition, Shodipo Ajibola of Federal Government Academy, Suleja; Adebayo Shalval, Federal Government College, Port-Harcourt and Kei Paul, also of Federal Government College, Port-Harcourt emerged in the first, second and third positions respectively.
Via: Federal Ministry of Information (FMI) Nigeria