By Ademola Orunbon
The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun says his administration’s commitment to education development, especially in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) has propelled the outstanding performances of learners in both national and international competitions.
Prince Abiodun made this known at the 58th Annual National Conference of the Mathematical Association of Nigeria (MAN) with the theme: ‘‘Innovative Mathematics Teaching, Learning and Research during the Pandemic Era’’, at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta, noting that the STEM component had brought valuable contributions to the education sector.
The Governor, represented by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu stated that the study of science, particularly mathematics had helped young people to analyse information, eliminate errors, and make conscious decisions when designing solutions, saying training and workshops for teachers of Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Agricultural Science and Information, and Communication Technology would be sustained.
While describing MAN as a key player in driving Nigeria to her dream state, the Governor encouraged it to maximise the opportunities and knowledge gathered at the conference for personal development and betterment of the society.
In his address, the National President of the Association, Prof. Kamoru Usman reaffirmed its determination to use technology in charting new ways to encourage teachers and lecturers’ development to share knowledge through the new normal, collaboration, communication and networking for global best practices.
Presenting the lead paper, titled: ‘‘Innovative Mathematics Teaching, Learning and Researching During the Pandemic Era’’, a university don in the Department of Mathematics, Tai Solarin University of Education, Prof. Alfred Fatade, noted that mathematics plays a vital role in career innovation, business, finance, health, and defense, hence the need for any nation to tap into the power of mathematics for present and future development.