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The crux of mathematics is in creative thinking, not simply arriving at the right answer.  Its learning may start as a talent, it would with adequate practice develop as a skill. Deliberating practice requires hard work to improve mathematical talent to mathematical skill. Mathematics is a colossal bulk of knowledge, something compared to an encyclopedia but with a massive amount cross-referenced. This huge body of knowledge is vital in developing the nation. Supporting this argument is the Registrar, West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Dr Iyi Uwadie. He acknowledges that the knowledge of mathematics is very important in national development. This he stated at the 54th Annual Conference of the Mathematical Association of Nigeria (MAN). He observed that mathematics education helps individuals to comprehend, analyse, synthesise, evaluate and make generalizations through problem-solving. However, this skill acquisition is in turmoil as many young people fail Mathematics. Maybe due to its abstractness and impersonality, or that it requires effort and adequate concentration as you cannot afford for your mind to be distracted by the perplexities of everyday life. Failures in Mathematics are ascribed to lack of ability, lack of training and lack of effort. Most times, one is forced to pity students who study mathematics, as the whole society acts as if it is a huge burden. You hear things “like that mathematical problem given to you is so difficult for your class, I don’t think even your teacher can solve it”, “and it is not that important just have a C.” For many of us who never learnt it after leaving the four walls of a secondary school classroom, it becomes extremely difficult to encourage the younger generation on its importance. Learning the skill is vital as it is the methodological application of life experiences, offering rationality to our thoughts. The cradle of all human creations first exists in the mind and then in mathematics. It makes our life so orderly even in this chaotic world. Since Mathematics provides a universal language it is indeed needful as a tool for National Development.  I remember a saying that mathematical equations remain absolute no matter the zone you are in, so far as you understand your base. In a country that has several cultural languages, understanding Mathspeak would help relate one thought and communicate expressly without a language barrier. This way, one’s opinion would be related quite easily and appropriately without one being afraid of his words being misunderstood. Mathematics is imperative for every student as it stands as the bedrock of other subjects.  It is the foundation on which other subjects are formed. If you want to understand your subjects, make sure you love Mathematics. Mathematics improves the intellectual thinking faculty of every student. The dosage to be a Great Thinker is to solve a mathematical equation daily, try it and note the difference in other aspects of your life. Finally, Dr Uwadie Concludes, and so will I, mathematics is a skill that helps to develop self-confidence and to become self-radiant. He believes that the more self-confident a student is, the more he or she can learn any subject and make maximum significant contributions to national development.
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This article was first published on 24th August 2017

adepeju

Adepeju Adenuga is a writer (considering where you are reading this, makes perfect sense). She holds a Masters Degree in Literature in English from the University of Lagos.

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