Champions of the 14th National Mathematics Competition emerge
By Jet Stanley Madu and Ayo Alonge
Miss Bhardwaj Rajesh, Master Kachi Patrick Chukwuanukwu, Master James Venor, placed first, second and third, respectively, in the Gold Medalist category in the NTIC (Nigeria Tulip International School) – National Mathematics Centre (NMC) competition, the grand finale which was held in Lagos at the Imperial Hall, Alausa Ikeja.
In his address at the event, the Managing Director NTIC, Orhan Kertim harped on why students should make mathematics their best subject, noting that the subject takes man to some of the deepest truths in the universe in which he lives. “Without the right mathematics, bridges and building would not stand up properly,” he asserted. “Mathematics is a universal language without which there is no science.”
The Coordinator, South West Zone, National Mathematics Competition, Mr. Fevzi Senkal, disclosed that the competition began on February 4, 2016 with 34,000 pupils nationwide, including the FCT. From this number, the best five students were picked from each state for the final phase although 10 outstanding students emerged from Lagos State.
He noted that the competition has continued to improve with each passing year to the extent of being used as a yardstick to measure the performance of mathematics teachers in public schools across the education districts of the participating states.
Senkal explained that the math competition is one of NTIC’s ways of giving back to the society, even as he indicated that through the competition, many pupils have shown that mathematics which appears as monster can actually be tamed. He said that with the partnership offered by the National Mathematics Centre (NMC) in Abuja and the States Universal Basic Education of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo and Osun States in conducting the examination, more successes have been recorded and this has further strengthened NTIC.
This year’s was the 14th edition in the competition designed for pupils in primaries five and six. Of the 34,000 entrants, the best outstanding 15 students received medals, plaques and cash rewards in various categories. The rewards did not end with the bright pupils and their teachers. For imparting greatly, the schools that produced them, Bimster Montessori, Lagos, God’s Wisdom International School, Enugu and Indian Language School, Lagos received HP printers.
Mrs. Bijitha Rajesh is the proud mother of the overall champion. She shared her joy while commending the NTIC mathematics competition which she described as one of the best things to happen to Nigerian education. She remarked that with the competition, the organizers have made mathematics more interesting and exciting for pupils and students.
Kertim announced that NTIC, a non-governmental, non-political international educational institution, operating in six states in Nigeria, “and aimed at producing academically excellent, morally upright and socially responsible citizens for Nigeria and the world in general” is proud to confirm full scholarship for the top eight students as a way of supporting and encouraging them to realize their dreams towards a brighter future for Nigeria.
The event had in attendance dignitaries from all walks of life including Federal and states ministries of education, States Basic Education Boards, social mobilization agencies, teachers resource centre and the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State who sent in a representative.