Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Okeke Christopher from Commmand Day Secondary School, Mokola, Oyo State and Awofiga Victor from Nigerian Navy Secondary School, Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Monday clinched the first position in the junior and senior categories of the maiden edition of Armed Forces Secondary Schools Mathematics Olympiad.
The grand finale of the Olympiad , which took place in Abuja, also saw Godswill Titus – Air Force Military School, Jos, (junior category) and Moses Ogunade from Air Force Secondary School, Ikeja (senior) winning second position while Evangel Amadiechi from Command Secondary School, Mbiri, Delta and Abdulhakeem Amari- Nigerian Navy Secondary School, Ogbomosho winning third place in the two categories respectively.
Speaking at the event, organised in collaboration with the National Mathematical Centre, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr Ibrahim Kana, said the initiative was put place to showcase students’ problem-solving skills and stimulate Mathematics’ passion among students.
“Mathematics is a vital subject that permeates all aspects of human endeavour. From engineering to economics, medicine to computer science; Mathematics plays a critical role in every field. Its
application is not only limited to the sciences but also in everyday life situation.
“Therefore, it is with great importance that we encourage and promote mathematics as a key area of study,” he said.
While saying Mathematics is the foundation of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields and critical to Nigeria’s security and prosperity, the Permanent Secretary said all efforts would be put in place to ensure the Mathematics Olympiad is sustained as an annual event in the Armed Forces schools.
Dr Kana also expressed delight on the role the Armed Forces
schools have been playing in fostering academic excellence, even as he commended teachers and parents who have supported and encouraged students in their pursuit of excellence in the important subject.
On his part, the Director General and Chief Executive of National Mathematical Centre (NMC) , Prof. Promise Mebine, harped on the importance of Mathematics in the development of any nation, and called for concerted efforts to improve on the study of the subject.
“An investment in Mathematics is an investment in the future of our children,” the NMC boss opined.
He, however, lamented that many students view mathematics often as abstract and difficult.
Earlier, Director of Education, Ministry of Defence, A. O. Taiwo, said the Mathematics Olympiad, which attracted all armed forces secondary schools across the country, started from state to zonal level before the grand finale in Abuja.
The AUTHORITY reports that winners of first positions in the two categories of the Olympiad went home with touch screen laptop, second positions- a tablet while the third place were presented with smart wristwatches.
Medals were also presented to students who emerged top 10 in the Mathematics competition.
