The Federal Government, through the National Mathematical Centre, on Monday stated that mathematics is central to Nigeria’s national development goals.
The acting Chief Executive Officer of the NMC, Benjamin Oyelami, highlighted this in a statement marking the International Day of Mathematics. He urged the government and relevant stakeholders to enhance the role of mathematics in national planning, science, and technological advancement. The statement was signed by the Controller, Information and Public Relations of the NMC, Onyekachi Njoku.
Observed annually on March 14 and proclaimed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, the day recognises the importance of mathematical sciences in addressing global challenges and promoting innovation across sectors.
Oyelami stressed that countries prioritising mathematics and related sciences are better equipped to tackle complex socio-economic issues and achieve sustainable development goals.
“Without the hope of mathematical solutions to national problems, such challenges would persist and the world would not be a better place to live in,” he said.
He noted that mathematics extends beyond classroom learning and is essential in fields such as engineering, medicine, finance, technology, and policy planning.
“Mathematics is relevant in solving both simple and complex problems. Every course in life requires the application of mathematics,” Oyelami added.
The International Day of Mathematics, often linked with “Pi Day,” was officially recognised by UNESCO in 2019 to raise global awareness of the significance of mathematical sciences. UNESCO notes that mathematics underpins technologies including artificial intelligence, medical imaging, climate modelling, cybersecurity, and space exploration.
The day is marked globally through conferences, competitions, exhibitions, and educational programmes in schools and universities in over 70 countries.
Despite its importance, concerns remain about students’ performance in mathematics across Nigeria. Education experts warn that weak foundations in mathematics threaten the country’s ability to produce sufficient graduates in STEM fields.
Reports show that many secondary school students struggle with mathematics, and a significant number fail to gain credit passes in core subjects needed for higher education. Factors cited include inadequate teaching resources, a shortage of qualified teachers, poor learning infrastructure, and negative attitudes toward the subject.
Oyelami highlighted the contributions of the National Mathematical Centre, established in 1988 to advance mathematical sciences in Nigeria. He noted the centre’s continued efforts through research, capacity development, and talent-hunt programmes aimed at discovering and nurturing mathematically gifted students.
“The centre has been living up to its mandate through core academic and scientific activities which include advanced research, training and high-level manpower development, talent hunt programmes, human capacity development, as well as outreach and instructional materials development,” he said.
The NMC also runs postgraduate foundation programmes and collaborates with universities to supervise students in mathematical sciences. It hosts conferences, workshops, and symposia to strengthen teaching and research capacity in tertiary institutions.
Oyelami outlined innovations to improve mathematics teaching, including mathematics kits and digital tools like Wiz Teacher and DIMANET software to support classroom learning. He also highlighted the promotion of Mental Arithmetic to enhance students’ ability to solve problems quickly without calculators.
“The National Council on Education adopted Mental Arithmetic for inclusion in the basic education curriculum in 2015,” he said.
The centre has also partnered with tertiary institutions, including the Federal University of Technology, Minna, and the National Open University of Nigeria, to strengthen research and postgraduate training in mathematical sciences.
Oyelami emphasised that mathematics will remain a key tool for solving human problems and driving development in multiple disciplines.
“Mathematics, the queen of the sciences, will continue to provide solutions to human challenges and remain the foundation for the advancement of arts, sciences, engineering, technology and medicine,” he said.
Experts assert that strengthening mathematics education is crucial for Nigeria’s ambitions to expand its digital economy, foster technological innovation, and compete globally in a knowledge-driven economy.