By Ademola Orunbon
The Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science & Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu has called on policymakers and other stakeholders to harnessing the full potential of Mathematics, in order to effectively address the economic challenges of the country.
Prof. Arigbabu made this call during the 9th Annual Conference and Presentation of Awards of the Mathematical Association of Nigeria (MAN), Ogun State Chapter, tagged, “Mathematics And Its Application To Nigerian Economic Problem”, held at Yewa College, Ilaro.
He also called for collaboration among some professionals, such as mathematicians, economists and others, as the application of Mathematical principles and techniques could be a catalyst for the socio-economic growth and transformation of any society.
“Let us seize the opportunity of this conference to reaffirm our commitment to harnessing the power of Mathematics for the betterment of Nigeria’s economy”, he said.
Speaking, the Chairman, Ogun State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Evang. Olalekan Ifede, represented by Yewa South Zonal Secretary, Mr. Ajasa, said Mathematics serves as the bedrock of numerous disciplines, such as Engineering, Finance, Accountancy, Statistics and Information Technology, adding that it offers a structured framework for problem solving and decision-making.
Earlier, the State Chairman of MAN, Dr. Temitope Ajayi, appreciated the present government in the state for meaningful contributions towards the Association’s success stories, explaining that the theme was deliberately chosen to generate ideas that could help the government achieve effective governance and service to humanity.
In their presentations, some members of the Association, Alhaji Akande Akinola, Prof. Sikiru Amoo, Dr. Caleb Akintade and Dr. Olayiwola Durojaye, said Mathematics cuts across all human endeavours such as, Medicine, Communication, Agriculture, Accounting, manufacturing, among others, calling on government to ensure that the subject is effectively taught in schools, towards further advancement of the state.
In another development, Prof. Arigbabu, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Abosede Ogunleye, reiterated the developmental initiatives and other capacity-building mechanisms put in place by the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration to transform the education sector, to place the state on a higher pedestal.
Prof. Arigbabu revealed this at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, during a courtesy visit by executive members of the Teach For Nigeria Organisation, Teach For All, as well as other international teaching groups from United Kingdom, Ethiopia, Lesotho, Serbia and Eswatini, to understudy the education sector’s outstanding achievements.
