By Terna Chikpa, Jalingo
The African Mathematics Project (AMP) on Monday commenced the presentation of awards to outstanding mathematics pupils in Taraba State.
The founder of the organisation, Mr. Abraham Moses, disclosed this during an event held at Kingdom Heritage Model School, Jalingo, explaining that the initiative was aimed at ending mathematics phobia among students in Nigeria.
Mr. Moses, who was represented by the team leader, Mr. Zebedee Daniel, explained that the decision was informed by his experience as a teacher and the negative mindset many students have towards mathematics.
According to him, while growing up as a teacher, he discovered that mathematics was a subject many students paid less attention to, often citing its difficulty to comprehend.
He expressed concern that this development was gradually discouraging the study of the subject among Nigerian students and urged parents to encourage their wards to approach mathematics without fear.
“The idea behind this award is to encourage the study of mathematics among the upcoming generation. There is a general belief that mathematics is difficult, which makes students unwilling to study the subject.
“This award is meant to serve as motivation to promote the study of mathematics and end the perception of its difficulty,” he explained.
Meanwhile, the Head Teacher of the school, Mrs. Rifkatu Ali, commended the AMP team for the initiative. She described the selection of her institution for the mathematics award as a morale booster for teachers, adding that it would encourage them to ensure the subject becomes one of the students’ top choices.
In their reactions, Miss Godsgrace Ananum and Miss Msendoo Anna Iormua said they were inspired by their mothers to love mathematics.
The pupils, who currently lead their classes in mathematics performance, expressed their desire to become mathematics ambassadors and build a chain of mathematics studies that would be recognised globally.
“Our mummy always motivates us to practise mathematics. She tells us that the subject may be hard, but we must learn and understand it well.
“Our desire is to become ambassadors of mathematics in the near future,” the pupils said.
They both thanked their parents and teachers for the encouragement that earned them the award among brilliant pupils in Taraba State.
