By Jacinta Nwachukwu

The National Mathematical Centre (NMC) says it has trained no fewer than 100 participants in a foundation postgraduate course in `real analysis’, a branch of pure mathematics, to enhance learning of mathematics among students.

Dr James Ajie, the Acting Coordinator, Mathematics Programme, NMC disclosed that at the virtual training at Sheda, Kwali Area Council, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, on Monday.

He said that the four-day training was targeted at mathematics graduates.

Ajie also said that although the programme was for graduates of mathematics, who intended to further their studies in mathematics, undergraduate students could equally benefit from it.

He further said that the training was part of the center’s agenda to promote effective teaching and learning of the course among students and lecturers.

According to him, real analysis was a pure mathematics course, that is fundamental to all mathematicians; as every graduate of mathematics was supposed to have knowledge of real analysis.

“Any user of mathematics should also have some knowledge of real analysis because for someone to have confidence that the result he/she got is right you are supposed to do some analysis.’’

Ajie noted that the programme was also aimed to checking the falling standard of mathematics education across the country, as well as enhance the performance of both students and lectures.

The acting coordinator further explained that as a subject, mathematics lacked teachers and lecturers in most schools and universities, while urging governments, at all levels, to encourage the teaching of the subject, at all levels for the development of the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that over 100 participants had benefited from the programme, comprising undergraduates, graduates, postgraduates and lecturers of mathematics, from across the country and beyond, since it began.(NAN)