By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana has stressed the need for school children to be imparted with quality education as the nation’s future depends on it.
Speaking at the Grand Finale of the Maiden Edition of the Armed Forces Schools Mathematics Olympiad held in Abuja on Monday, the Permanent Secretary said he was confident that with the right support and environment, “our students will go on to excel in their various fields of studies and contribute towards the development of this great Nation”.
According to him, the Mathematics Olympiad is more than just a competition as “it is a platform for students to learn, to grow and develop their skills. It is also hoped that this event will inspire more students to pursue their passion for Mathematics and continue to excel in the field”.
The mathematics competition was organised by the Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with the National Mathematical Center Abuja, for students of Armed Forces Secondary Schools across the country.
Dr Kana who commended the teachers and parents who supported and encouraged the completing students in their pursuit of excellence, said “your dedication and commitment have helped to shape the minds of these young people and will continue to inspire them as they move forward in their academic and professional careers.
He also congratulated all the winners and participants of the Mathematics Olympiad, adding that, “Your achievement is a true testament to your brilliance and determination. I urge you all to continue pushing yourself to be the best that you can be in all aspects of your academic and personal lives”.
“Mathematics is a vital subject that permeates all aspects of human endeavour. From engineering to economics, medicine to computer science; Mathematics plays a critical role in every field. Its application is not only limited to the sciences but also in everyday life situation.
“Therefore, it is with great importance that we encourage and promote mathematics as a key area of study. This initiative received the Ministry’s approval because the event is an opportunity for students to
showcase their problem-solving skills and creation in mathematics. It is an event that challenges the brightest minds to solve complex problems and think outside the box.
“Since Mathematics is the foundation of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields, and it is critical to our Nation’s security and prosperity, the Mathematics Olympiad should be sustained as an Annual Event in the Armed Forces Schools
“I am particularly proud of the role that the Armed Forces Schools have played in fostering academic excellence amongst our students. The schools have been at
the forefront of nurturing and developing our students’ mathematical abilities. We have made concerted effort to provide an enabling environment and access to quality resources that make learning
Mathematics an enjoyable experience. It has borne fruit with the outstanding performance we have witnessed today”, Kana added.
In his remarks, the Director General and Chief Executive of National Mathematical Centre (NMC), Prof. Promise Mebine, who stressed the importance of Mathematics in the development of any nation, called for concerted efforts to improve on the study of the subject.
He said, “an investment in Mathematics is an investment in the future of our children,” lamenting that many students view mathematics often as abstract and difficult.
Earlier, Director of Education, Ministry of Defence, MrsvA. O. Taiwo, said the Mathematics Olympiad, which attracted all armed forces secondary schools across the country, started from state to zonal level before the grand finale in Abuja.
Medals were also presented to students who emerged top 10 in the Mathematics competition. Winners of first positions in the two categories of the Olympiad went home with touch screen laptop, second positions- a tablet while the third place were presented with smart wristwatches.
The grand finale of the Olympiad , which took place in Abuja, also saw Godswill Titus – Air Force Military School, Jos, (junior category) and Moses Ogunade from Air Force Secondary School, Ikeja (senior) winning second position while Evangel Amadiechi from Command Secondary School, Mbiri, Delta and Abdulhakeem Amari- Nigerian Navy Secondary School, Ogbomosho winning third place in the two categories respectively.
