Good news to Nigeria from an Igbo:
Nigeria's Ndubuisi wins African Mathematics contest
From Muhammad Abubakar and Stella Agbana, Abuja
HONOUR came the way of the country in the last edition of the Pan-African Mathematics Olympiad (PAMO) as its representative, Uchendu Ndubuisi, came first.
Nigeria's performance at the competition held in Abuja between April 5 and 15 was an improvement on last year's (the 16th edition) in Dakar, Senegal where it won the silver medal.
Ndubuisi scored 31 points to win the gold medal, defeating nine contestants from other countries.
Speaking at the awards/prize giving ceremony of the competition, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, said the competition provides young African Mathematicians a unique platform and opportunity for healthy competition and exchange of ideas in the discipline.
The Minister, represented by the Education Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Bolanle Onagoruwa, observed that the knowledge of Mathematics helps the society in solving some of the biggest problems in life, pointing out that despite the central role of the subject in Science and Technology, many students still have phobia for it.
According to him, the difference between the developed and developing world is their application of science with Mathematics as its base, adding that Europe and United States would not have attained scientific and technological breakthrough without placing emphasis on Mathematical Sciences.
El-Rufai lauded the National Mathematical Centre (NMC) for bringing the continental intellectual competition to Nigeria. He noted that events like PAMO were designed to encourage youthful talents in Mathematical Sciences and to establish friendly relationships between African and European countries.
Director General, NMC, Prof. Sam Ale, said participation in international and continental competitions with attractive medals and prizes attached would serve as incentives for students of Mathematics and further arouse their interest in Mathematical Sciences.
President, African Mathematical Union and Pan-African Mathematics Olympiad, Prof. Nouzha el-Yacoubi, said the yearly competition has improved the level of awareness and students' performance in Mathematics and Mathematical Sciences.
She added that in the next decade, Nigeria with all its potentials, would be a leading nation in science and technology through Mathematics.
El-Yacoubi also expressed appreciation to Nigeria for making funds available for the successful hosting of this year's edition of the competition, while indicating the readiness of African Mathematical Union to collaborate with the National Mathematical Centre.
http://www.guardiannewsngr.com/news/article11/190407
