Mathematicians around the world celebrated the International Mathematics Day on Monday, March 14, 2022. International Mathematics Day, popularly referred to as, beautiful constant Pi, was first celebrated in 1988 at San Francisco Exploratorium by a physicist LaryShaw. In 2009, US House of Representatives passed a resolution that recognized Pi day. In 2019, UNESCO declared Pi day as International Day Of Mathematics. The symbol for Pi(π) was created by a British Mathematician, William Jones, in 1706.
The Theme for 2022 International Day of Mathematics is “Mathematics Unites”. The theme presents mathematics as a universal language and a common discipline which unities all other mathematical sciences.
In pursuance of this, The Mathematics Association of Nigeria (M.A.N), Anambra State chapter, joined the rest of the states in Nigeria and the world in celebrating this year’s International Mathematics Day. The theme has a number of implications. It makes a desirable call to all mathematics teachers in the state to identify with the association. Come let us build this house of mathematicians together; the beauty and power of mathematical knowledge and skills lies in sharing and dissemination of mathematical knowledge and discoveries.
The association has also mandated coordinators of M.A.N of the various zones in the state to embark on sensitization to some schools in their zones. During these visits, it is hoped that the students will be addressed on the importance United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO placed on the study of mathematics; that 14th march every year was set aside to celebrate mathematics and reflect on the success and challenges that face both teachers and students towards effective teaching and learning of the subject in our schools.
There is no doubt that we are experiencing decreasing enrolment of students in mathematics in almost all tertiary institutions in the country. This present situation, if not adequately and timely addressed, may lead to embarrassing condition in our primary and secondary schools when the present group of mathematics teachers may have retired without replacement.
This year’s theme, “Mathematics Unites”, is also aimed at reminding the official members of M.A.N of the association’s objectives, which include: Promotion of effective mathematics teaching and research; Provision of regular contact and interaction among mathematicians, mathematics educators, teachers and users of mathematics and To inspire young Nigerians to show interest in mathematics and be functionally literate in the subject.
To achieve these objectives requires the commitment of members of the association collectively and individually as mathematics teachers or mathematics educators. We must radiate inspirational force in all our activities, if the students are to be inspired to show interest in the study of mathematics. To promote regular contact among the members, the general house resolved that general meetings will be rotational. The meetings are expected to come up in February, May and October every year.
As the association celebrates the International Mathematics Day, the association calls on all mathematics teachers in the state to identify with the association so that we can build a stronger association that will continuously, through workshops, seminars and interactive meetings, reposition mathematics and the teaching and learning of mathematics as perceived by the students.
The association is very grateful with the encouraging support the Post Primary School Services Commission has continued to give her.
GREAT MATHEMATICIANS – GREAT
WRITTEN BY DR. CHIKE OBIENYEM
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