Prof. Benjamin Oyelami, Acting Director/Chief Executive of NMC
By Felix Khanoba
The National Mathematical Centre (NMC), Abuja, has called on parents, schools and stakeholders in the education sector to encourage children to embrace Mathematics as a tool for creativity, innovation and national development.
The Acting Director and Chief Executive of the Centre, Prof. Benjamin Oyelami, made the call in a statement to commemorate this year’s Children’s Day and Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
According to the statement signed by Dr Onyekachi Njoku – Controller, Information and Public Relations of the Centre on Thursday, Prof. Oyelami said both occasions reflect the values of growth, sacrifice, discipline and learning, which he described as principles deeply rooted in mathematics.
According to him, children possess enormous potential that can be nurtured through sound education and moral upbringing.
“Children’s Day is an occasion of the future. Children are imbedded with unique talents and limitless potential while Mathematics, as a universal language, prepares children with critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving abilities and confidence to excel in a changing world,” he said.
He noted that mathematics remains fundamental to technological advancement, innovation and national growth.
“From counting and patterns to technology and innovation, Mathematics has remains the foundation for national growth and development. From calculations to technological advances and innovations, Mathematics as well as religion have been an integral part of man,” he stated.
The NMC boss further explained that religious practices and observances also reflect the importance of calculations and computation.
“Fixing of religious times, dates, days and symbols are products of calculation and computation which are integral parts of Mathematics,” he added.
Speaking on Eid-el-Kabir, Prof. Oyelami said the celebration teaches virtues such as obedience, sacrifice, sharing and responsible living, values he said are equally reflected in mathematics through precision, balance, fairness and logical reasoning.
He added that mathematics promotes thoughtful planning and prudent management of resources, qualities needed for responsible leadership and national development.
The Acting Director-General therefore urged parents and education stakeholders to use the festive season to inspire children to see mathematics positively rather than as a difficult subject.
He said doing so would help nurture a generation that is intellectually sound, innovative and morally grounded.
