On International Day of Mathematics, NMC urges Nigeria to prioritise maths education for national development, innovation, and STEM growth

The Federal Government, through the National Mathematical Centre (NMC), has emphasised that mathematics is central to Nigeria’s national development.

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The acting CEO of NMC, Benjamin Oyelami, made the statement on Monday while celebrating the International Day of Mathematics.

He urged the government and stakeholders to strengthen the role of mathematics in national planning, science, and technological advancement.

The statement was signed by the NMC Controller of Information and Public Relations, Onyekachi Njoku.

Observed annually on March 14 and recognised by UNESCO, the International Day of Mathematics celebrates the discipline’s importance in solving global challenges and driving innovation across sectors.

Oyelami highlighted that countries prioritising mathematics and related sciences are better positioned to tackle socio-economic problems and achieve sustainable development goals.

He stressed that mathematics extends beyond classrooms, impacting 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 said.

The NMC, established in 1988, continues to promote research, capacity development, and talent discovery in mathematical sciences across Nigeria.

Oyelami noted that the centre organises postgraduate programmes, workshops, and symposia, and develops innovative teaching resources such as Wiz Teacher and DIMANET software to enhance classroom learning.

He also highlighted the promotion of Mental Arithmetic, adopted into the basic education curriculum in 2015, aimed at improving students’ speed and accuracy in solving problems without calculators.

The centre has strengthened partnerships with universities, including the Federal University of Technology, Minna, and the National Open University of Nigeria, to establish Centres of Excellence in Mathematical Sciences and expand postgraduate training and research.

Oyelami concluded that mathematics will remain a vital tool for solving human challenges and driving progress across disciplines, describing it as “the queen of the sciences.”

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Education experts note that strengthening mathematics education is critical for Nigeria’s ambitions in digital economy growth, technological innovation, and global competitiveness.