Mathematics remains central to innovation, technological advancement – Olubayo

Olubayo stated this on Tuesday at the opening ceremony of the association’s 62nd National Annual Conference held at the Olagunsoye Oyinlola Auditorium, Osun State University, Osogbo.

The Professor of Mathematics at the University of Benin said the annual conference provided an opportunity for members of the association and other professionals to deliberate on how mathematics could contribute to Nigeria’s development.

He said discussions at the conference would focus on the role of mathematics in strengthening the nation’s economy, promoting technological growth and advancing national development.

According to him, the annual gathering also provides an avenue for professionals to review developments in mathematics education and explore innovative ways through which the discipline can contribute to Nigeria’s progress.

Olubayo added that the conference would examine how mathematics could drive educational innovation and contribute to the overall development of the country.

As part of the conference activities, MAN organised Olympiad and quiz competitions for pupils and students from primary, junior secondary and senior secondary schools.

He said outstanding participants would be recognised with awards, including special recognition for the best-performing female students, as part of efforts to encourage more girls to develop an interest in mathematics.

“The association encourages children in primary, junior secondary and senior secondary schools to come together for Olympiad and quiz competitions.

“We select the first, second and third positions at the different levels, and the best students will be given awards. We also choose the best female students because we want more females to take interest in mathematics,” he said.

Olubayo, however, called for increased financial support for mathematics teachers, researchers and professional associations, saying inadequate funding had continued to affect participation in academic conferences and research activities.

Also speaking, Professor Sijuade Adegbite said the conference had remained a major platform for strengthening mathematics education in Nigeria over the past 62 years.

Adegbite stressed that the success of workshops and professional development programmes depended largely on how effectively teachers applied the knowledge acquired in their classrooms.

“The conference has been ongoing for the past 62 years. Programmes can be formed, but it is the implementation of those programmes that matters.

“Teachers must be properly developed to pass the knowledge they gain from workshops to their students,” he said.

He appealed to the Osun State Government, community leaders, private individuals and organisations to support mathematics education and the association’s conferences.

The conference, which attracted more than 600 registered participants from across the country, was held under the theme: “Mathematics as a Lead Way Towards Educational Innovation.”