By Henry Oladele
A consulting firm, Global Learning Advancement Network Consulting, on Wednesday advocated grooming Nigerian students to compete globally in mathematics for national development.
Mr Gbolahan Laniyan, Lead Consultant at Global Learning Advancement Network Consulting, said this while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) during World Maths Day activities at Apostolic Faith Secondary School, Lagos.
Laniyan described World Maths Day as the largest global mathematics competition, noting that “it holds a Guinness World Record for mass participation.”
According to him, the initiative is aimed at raising world-class students and positioning Nigerian children as excellent problem-solvers in the global space.
He added that the initiative was intensifying efforts to groom Nigerian students to compete globally in mathematics through the World Maths Day programme.
“We are trying to raise world class minds and position Nigerian children, our next generation, to become excellent problem solvers,” he said.
He explained that GLAN Consulting focused on developing students through mathematics, technology and structured training systems.
Laniyan said the organisation was at the Apostolic Faith Secondary School, one of its partner institutions, to train pupils and students aged between four and 18 years old.
He added that no fewer than 100 students from both the primary and secondary sections of the school were participating in the exercise.
“The students are engaging in fun learning and competing live with their peers globally using computers.
“We have different categories, from junior secondary classes to senior levels, all participating in stages,” he said.
On Nigeria’s representation at the global level, Laniyan said selected students had already been prepared to represent the country.
“We have done the preparation and have top students who will eventually represent Nigeria, though the competition is still ongoing,” he said.
He noted that participation in global competitions should not be limited to elite or international schools, stressing the need for broader inclusion of Nigerian students.
“It is not about the names of schools but about our children and ensuring that Nigerians are well represented in global educational events,” he said.
Speaking on the importance of mathematics, Laniyan emphasised its role in national development, particularly in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
He said countries that failed to prioritise STEM risked lagging behind in technological advancement and economic growth.
“For any nation to compete globally, it must prioritise STEM.
“When you develop mathematicians, engineers and technocrats, you are building the backbone of the economy,” he said.
He advised students to cultivate interest in mathematics by integrating it into their daily lives.
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“Mathematics starts with everyday living. It is about understanding numbers, patterns and applying them to life.
“When you take mathematics seriously, you are taking your life seriously,” he said.
Laniyan said GLAN Consulting, established in 2014, had continued to promote mathematics education in Nigeria, including hosting national online competitions.
He added that the initiative had helped boost students’ confidence and global competitiveness over the years.
The Principal of the school, Mr Temitayo Oshisanya, lauded the
students’ enthusiasm for mathematics.
Oshisanya underscored the importance of mathematics in preparing students for future challenges, describing it as essential at all levels of education.
Oshisanya, while speaking with NAN, said that the initiative was aimed at stimulating students’ interest in mathematics, improving performance and eliminating fear associated with the subject.
“Having been a mathematician all my life, I know the importance of mathematics at every level of education.
“We are creating interest in the students, motivating them to perform better and removing the phobia for mathematics by making it accessible to all,” he said.
The principal expressed satisfaction with the level of enthusiasm demonstrated by the students, noting that many were eager to participate in mathematics-related activities.
“The enthusiasm shown by the students is wonderful. You see a lot of them striving to be among those engaging actively in mathematics.
“Some of them are even having sleepless nights just to engage themselves in mathematics endeavours,” he said.
Oshisanya added that the school had put necessary infrastructure in place to support students’ participation in global competitions.
“We have prepared the ground. We have a Computer-Based Test (CBT) centre and internet facilities to enable them interact and compete with their peers across the world,” he said.
He described the development as a welcome one and expressed optimism that the school would continue to explore opportunities in mathematics education to its fullest potential.
Oshisanya further noted that the school had sustained a culture of promoting mathematics excellence through periodic initiatives such as its mathletics programme.
One of the students of the school, Master Eburagbemi David, said that he enjoyed mathematics because he was good at it.
“I am good at it and I like solving it generally even though I want to study robotic engineering.
“My grades in maths have been good and I am happy to take part in this world maths day.
“I love when there are hard questions and I can break it down and solve it completely,”he said.
Another student, Master Samuel Idoko, told NAN that the mathletics programme had helped him in solving maths questions faster.
“Even though I want to study cyber security, I still enjoy maths and I appreciate my school because they focus on maths.
“My advice to my peers is that they should take maths seriously and whatever opportunities they are given, they should not misuse it,”he said.
Another student, Miss Olaoshun Temilola said that she was good at mathematics, adding that mathletics had helped her improved in her mental skills.
“I can solve questions easily and faster and I am happy that I got to know mathletics.
“My advice to my peers is that they should always practice maths and keep on trying to solve questions to become professionals,” she said.
NAN also interviewed primary school pupils engaged in mathletics, who said they enjoy working with numbers and feel prepared to tackle more advanced aspects of mathematics.
One of the pupils, nine-year-old Trinity Opara, told NAN that she finds mathematics easy.
“I am learning to type numbers without looking, and I am getting close to perfection,” she said.
Another pupil, Master Daniel Fidelis, also nine years old, said that mathematics had exposed him to a different side of the subject, adding “it provides a faster way of working with numbers.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa
