A pupil of Pyramid Learning Academy in Anambra state, Nwakuche Chidubem has won the 20th edition of the Annual National Mathematics Competition (ANMC) for Primary 5, 6 and JSS3 students.
Chidubem, received a cash prize of N100,000, a computer set for the school and a full scholarship to the Nigerian Tulip International Colleges (NTIC) after being adjudged winner of the contest.
Amah Chibuike from Diamond Special School in Imo state came second and got a cash prize of N75,000, a tablet for the school as well as a full scholarship to study at NTIC while Mofiyinoluwa Joshua of St. Saviour’s School in Lagos state came third and was given N50,000, a printer and a full scholarship to NTIC, NAN reports.
In the JSS category, Chukwunwike Ezebube of NTIC came top and was recognised with a certificate.
The annual competition was organised by NTIC in collaboration with the National Mathematical Centre (NMC) to promote the study of the subject.
Speaking at the event, Feyzullah Bilgin, managing director of NTIC, said there is a need for students to embrace the study of mathematics to enjoy successful science-related careers.
“Mathematics is the key of all the science subjects and when a person is very good at maths, the person is going to be able to think abstractly and highly,” he said.
“The study of mathematics will help the student become successful in anything, including other subjects.
“In the past in Greece where philosophers were famous and active, they had an academia and at the gate was written: ‘no one can enter if you do not know mathematics.”
In his remark, Promise Mebine, NMC director-general, described mathematics as the language of science on which “the future is built”.
The DG, who was represented by Jonathan Ogidi, head of international linkages and advancement at the centre, said any nation that “does not prioritise mathematics would have no future.”
“Mathematics is important because it is a means of clothing the future; a nation that does not honour and respect mathematics has no future,” he said.
He enjoined parents to invest in the education of their children so as to prepare them for a responsible future.
