How to become proficient in Mathematics —FUTA don

The fact that Mathematics, commonly referred to as the backbone of all science disciplines, has a link with student’s intellectual development was established at a lecture at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) recently.

A Professor of Applied Mathematics, Olubode  Koriko, who is the current dean, School of Sciences, FUTA, while delivering the 81st Inaugural lecture entitled: ‘Mathematics: It is by Faith, not by Sight’, emphasied the importance of Mathematics to intellectual development, saying “Mathematics is the theoretical foundation for all scientific/technological breakthrough. Mathematics is the queen of the sciences and also the language of all sciences and engineering.”

Professor Koriko debunked what he described as the myth that Mathematics is a difficult subject, urging students to avoid laziness and building up their faith because studying Mathematics is by faith and not by sight.

He said: “For students to be good in Mathematics, they need to put in a lot of efforts. They have to practice what they have learned frequently and solve as many related examples as possible. The more they practise, the better their proficiency.”

Koriko, a first class graduate of Mathematics from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and also a postgraduate degrees holder from Essex, England, University of Ibadan and FUTA, said the objective of Mathematics is to train students to be able to adequately apply their mathematical skills with the aid of Information Technology to solve real-life problems in the areas of Agriculture, Commerce, Medicine and other allied disciplines and to also provide and promote sound basic practical and theoretical training in Industrial Mathematics as a foundation for the technological development of the society.

To achieve the above objectives, the don called for improved Mathematics education in the society, saying “Mathematics is a gateway to success in sciences and skill acquisition.”

He also called on the Federal Government to, through the Ministry of Education, put things right by posting only qualified teachers of Mathematics to schools, starting from posting fresh graduates for National Youth Service programe.

He said: “The government through the Ministry of Education can follow the policy of the developed countries, which no longer places uncertified teachers in low-performing schools. The Federal Government should also improve teachers working conditions and provide teachers with mentoring, proficiency-enhancement, on the job training and supervision.”

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Adebiyi Daramola, who chaired the occasion, commended the delivery by the lecturer, saying “Professor Koriko has really justified his First Class honour degree in his chosen field.” He also encouraged upcoming Mathematicians to imbibe the culture of hard work, which he said is the only secret to success in life.