For Nigeria to transit into a development economy, it must recognize and see mathematics and entrepreneurship education plan as critical to sustainable national development.
The nation must also recognize that stakeholders like entrepreneurs can fill the widening gap of unemployment which now stands at a rate of 14.2% according to the data from the office of statistics, especially as the nation’s effort to create jobs is getting worse.
Professor Ndowa Lale, Vice Chancellor, University of Port Harcourt made the assertion while delivering the keynote address during the 56th Annual National Conference of the Mathematics Association of Nigeria (MAN), held in Port Harcourt, Nigeria energy capital.
Lale who spoke on the topic; ‘Mathematics and Entrepreneurship Education for National Development’, noted that mathematics is the bedrock of technology which has greatly enhanced economic advancement and improved the quality of life in many more ways; in ICT, medical sciences, satellite and space travel, agricultural development, air travel, enhancing security, business and enterprise, education, research and innovation, and in enhancing economic prosperity.
The university don said Nigeria is no exception, and there is no better time than now if the nation is to overcome its present economic challenges and transit into a developed culture so as not to jeopardize the future of generations to come.
‘Nigeria can key into the economic survival theory which highlights that entrepreneurship is encouraged by those impacted by unpleasant circumstances in life, and must recognize the great mathematics and entrepreneurship plan in the country’, Lale stated.
In her speech, 56th MAN conference Chairman and Acting Vice-Chancellor of the Rivers State University, Professor Opuenebo Binya Owei, thanked the association for choosing Rivers State, and the University as the host of the conference.
Professor Owei said the teaching and learning of mathematics is important, especially as a foundation course, as without a credit pass in mathematics students cannot be admitted into institutions of higher learning in the country. She said it is also the basic foundation of the studying of science related courses and should be properly taught in primary and secondary schools in the country.
National President of the Mathematics Association of Nigeria (MAN), Professor Mamman Musa, in his speech stressed that the outcome of the conference would undoubtedly address many concerns and challenges related to unemployment among graduates.
Professor Musa while declaring that mathematics is everywhere, warned that the manifestation of those who lack basic survival mathematics are very clear in the nation’s enterprise and social services.
He expressed gratitude to the Rivers State Chapter of the Association, RIVERSMAN, and the Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University, Professor Opuenebo Binya Owei, for successfully hosting the 56th annual conference of the association.
Highpoint of the conference was the conferment of the MAN Fellowship award on some members of the association including; Dr. Muhammad Awwal Yushau, Dr. Foluke Eze, Helen Adesuwa Idugboe, Dr. Balla Galla Attah, Irabor Justy Orobosa, and the Vice Chancellor of Tai Solarin University of Education, Professor Abayomi Adelaja Arigbabu.
