Mathematics: Ministry lauds armed forces schools for developing students’ abilities

The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence, Ibrahim Kana has applauded the armed forces schools for being in the forefront of nurturing and developing students’ mathematical abilities while calling for concerted efforts to provide an enabling environment that make learning Mathematics an enjoyable experience.

He said that the field of Mathematics was critical to national security and prosperity being the foundation of Science, Technology and Engineering.

The Permanent Secretary stated this during the finale and prize presentation ceremony of the First Armed Forces Schools Mathematics Olympiad, at the National Defence College, Abuja.

Dr. Kana who was the special guest of honour while delivering an address stressed that the Mathematics Olympiad must be sustained as an Annual Event in the Armed Forces Schools across the nation.

He said because Mathematics plays a critical role in everyday life, it must be promoted in order to challenge the brightest minds to solve complex problems and think outside the box.

“I am particularly proud of the role that the Armed Forces Schools have played in fostering academic excellence amongst our students. The schools have been at the forefront of nurturing and developing our students’ mathematical abilities. We have made concerted efforts to provide an enabling environment and access to quality resources that make learning Mathematics an enjoyable experience. It has borne fruit with the outstanding performance we have witnessed today.”

He further stated that the future of the nation depends on the quality of the education the children receive which will gear them towards contributing to the development of the nation.

“I am confident that with the right support and environment, our students will go on to excel in their various fields of studies and contribute towards the development of this great Nation.  It is believed that the Mathematics Olympiad is more than just a competition. It is a platform for students to learn, to grow and develop their skills. It is also hoped that this event will inspire more,” said Kana.

The Director and Chief Executive of the National Mathematical Centre, Professor Promise Mebine said the competition is mandated to identify and encourage young talent and to stimulate passion among Nigerian students

He pointed out that Mathematics birthed technological advancement as there cannot be science without mathematics which has a great impact on education and Enhance thw ability to solve problems in a wide range of fields.

“Mathematics plays a critical role to problem-solving in a wide range of fields, provided powerful tools for identifying, analysing and solving complicated problems.“

Some of the students who participated and emerge winners in the mathematical Olympiad, Owofegha Victor of the Nigerian Navy school Abeokuta, an SS2 student in sciences, expressed his appreciation and dreams for the future while Okeke Christopher of the Command Day Secondary School Ibadan says he hopes to be part of the medical sector later in life.

The Director, Education Ministry of defence, Mrs Taiwo Folake says history is being made within the armed forces schools with the mathematics Olympiad. She appreciated evefyone involved for their hard work and congratulated all the winners while encouraging others to do better.