Int’l Day of Mathematics and national unity

By Joshua Ibeazor

Our Nation is in dire need of a good foundation for building and sustaining national unity, and mathematics provides such foundation.

The International Day of Mathematics (IDM) is a global celebration, which takes place on the 14th of March. The IDM is led and organized by the International Mathematical Union and many countries and organizations around the world take part.

Nigerians have done well in mathematics over the years in the global view and many are still doing well.

The theme of this year’s IDM is so unique to the present situation in Nigeria.

Indeed, Nigeria is suffering from the plague of disunity. The first and most critical challenge with which Nigeria is faced in this 21st century is the “challenge of National Unity” which has been more of a debate. The government on its part has put in several effort to ensure the actualization of national unity. This it has done through the introduction of policies and mechanisms. This, however, has been efforts in futility as it has done more harm than good to the objectives of national unity. For instance, Dr Yakubu Gowon introduced the National Youth Service Corp program in 1973 with the aim of making young Nigerians serve in parts of Nigeria other than theirs.  Also, former  President Olusegun Obasanjo introduced the Federal Character principle in an attempt to balance merit and quota system based on consideration of state of origin. The extent to which the operation of these programs has fostered national unity is a thing of debate.

Taking a close look at this year’s topic “Mathematics Unites”, this is a new path Nigeria has to explore and toll. The use of mathematics as a tool for National Unity. This is because mathematics is one of the important subjects which is studied starting from the basic education level. It is one branch of study which is a significant contributor to shaping the mindset of the individual. In this modern time, mathematics is no longer considered only as an inexact science, but also in the Social Science chumps. A mathematics concept is also capable of being used in all aspects of life such as Culture, Language, Politics etc.

We know that nature exist by diversity and are interconnected. Also, Nigeria is made up of diverse ethnic groups and religions. Mathematics has no ethnic or religious affiliation. Our everyday mathematics shows these connections and possibilities. A formula has the same meaning, regardless of another language that accompanies it. In our present Nigeria, the voice of secession and ethnic dichotomy is getting louder and wider. And the hope for one united Nigeria is getting dimmer. There is therefore need to view this challenge through the lens of mathematics. The magnitude of the consequences of our actions can only be understood through when they are quantified. The ability to quantify is gotten through the learning of mathematics. Just as unity is our challenge, so also is corruption. The war against corruption can be won if majority of Nigerians understand numbers. Numbers don’t lie. For us to be united against corruption and bad leadership is first to understand numbers. This is because mathematics plays a significant role in forming the human mind. Nigeria would have been greater than the way it is if monies meant for development were not diverted to private pockets. We will continue in this path of foolishness, if we keep ignoring the wisdom which the knowledge of mathematics brings. Our mathematics vocabulary shapes what we are capable of thinking about.

There is therefore, the need for massive campaign for number literacy, the teaching of social values of mathematics from early age, and a reorientation of mathematics teachers as agents of National Unity. When this is done and the mathematics skills learnt are put to practice, the more likely we will be and remain a united, innovation driven and viable economic society.

Joshua Ibeazor is Math teacher at JSS Wuse Zone3, Abuja and can be reached at jibeazor@gmail.com