Centre to organise mathematics competition for 100 schools

By Usman Shuaibu

The Director, National Mathematical Centre (NMC), Prof Adewale Solarin, said the centre would organise a national mathematics competition for primary schools in the Federal Capital Territory and

the country at large before the end of 2014.

Solarin, disclosed this at a workshop on “mental arithmetic” programme, organised by the Kwali Area Council in partnership with the Centre, for Pilot Science Primary Schools in the Council.

He said that over 100 schools were expected to participate in the contest.

The director added that the programme was meant to develop pupils’ level of concentration, confidence, competence and courage.

“We want a situation whereby mathematics will be seen as every pupil’s best subject and it is our dream for them to become professors in Mathematics,’’ he said.

Solarin said that similar training would be extended to all the primary schools and junior secondary schools in Kwali.

In a remark, the chairman of Kwali Area Council, Daniel Ibrahim, said he would continue to support efforts to develop the capacity of mathematics teachers.

The Chairman, who was represented by his Vice, Alhaji Isah Garba, said the council would do its best to provide pupils with environment conducive for learning.

On his part, the Head Teacher of the host school, Mr. Mohammed Dauda, applauded the council and NMC for the programme and appealed that similar gesture be extended to other primary schools.

Dauda called for financial support from the council to carry the re-training of teachers and pupils in the remaining 90 primary schools in Kwali.