FG Restates Support For Maths, Science Students

Federal Government last Thursday restated its plan to support any effort aimed at enhancing the performance of students in mathematics and science subjects.

The Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufa’I,  said thisThursday at the flag-off of the 2012 Nigeria Mathematical Year in Abuja, stating that there could be no progress without sound education in Mathematics.

She said the Federal Government would give all the necessary encouragement to improve the teaching and learning of the subject by the National Mathematical Centre.

According to her, for the Vision 20:2020 to be a reality, efforts must be vigorously pursued towards science education, research and development which are the bedrock of national development.

She expressed the determination of the Federal Government to upgrade Centres of Excellence across the country to a world-class status to produce efficient scientists.

The Minister said there was the need for collective promotion of excellence in science and technology for Nigeria to achieve its quest for sustainable economic growth and development.

The Minister said lack of investments in science and technology had, however, subjected scientists to inefficiency on their fields, especially in Africa.

Earlier, Prof. Sam Ale, the Director-General of the National Mathematical Centre, decried the notion that mathematics graduates ended up as teachers.

He said that the centre was working on how to turn mathematics study to making its graduates versatile and self-employed.

Ale said that the centre would soon introduce Mathematics Queen Competition to increase the interest of the girl-child student in the subject.

He said that the centre was aimed at producing specialists and teachers in the mathematical sciences at all levels of the nation’s education system.

Ale congratulated Mr Henry Aniobi who won a bronze medal at the International Mathematical Olympiad at Netherlands for doing the country proud.