Mathematics & its Odyssey

MATHEMATICS AND ITS ODYSSEY SO FAR


Even if one is suffering from haemophilia, we still need to understand that same person is made up of a reasonable amount of haemoglobin. In other words, the term “haemoglobin” known as the red blood pigment which is widely recognized as one of the fundamental functional units in the body of mankind is expected to be present in any living person’s circulatory system regardless of the condition being faced by him/her.

In case we have forgotten; let me draw us closer to some certain facts. We were told that in the beginning God created man in His own image having created all other things/creatures in existence. But have you ever in your lonely mood imagined how those systems in our body were factored together to function as a single formidable structure? You can imagine or be disturbed on how certain things came into existence, but that doesn’t mean that you must come out with a tangible answer. Yes, thinking is natural but the metamorphosis of some of our thoughts may be tagged as supernatural.

Let’s have it this way; those imaginary thoughts that may end up being fruitless, or those deeds/events that we cannot find the reason behind their occurrence are known as mysteries. So having noted this fact, we are bound to realize that there is limit for every ability possessed by mankind. We should also acknowledge that, there are certain qualities we cannot shy or run away from because nature has mandated us to possess some elements of such quality.

This edition has Mathematics as its topic. Mathematics is a subject which involves the study of numbers, quantities, or shapes.

Some time ago, one of my academic sons called from Lagos State to inform me that he secured admission in University of Lagos (UNILAG) to study Mathematics. He told me that he never applied for the discipline, but it was offered to him as an alternative. I knew he was not too sound in mathematics; so I asked him how he intends to cope. He responded that he was going to maneuver every obstacle by using any possible means. I laughed, and frowned too. Yes my physiognomy showcased both idiosyncrasies. It wasn’t a paradox considering the circumstance in question. Because the statement discharged by the poor boy was amusing and devastating.

It is no longer news that Mathematics remains the basis of all sciences, both pure and advanced including social. Yes, there’s no social science discipline that does not depend on or not affiliated to Mathematics.

Above all, I want to state here unequivocally that likewise any famous language on earth, be it spoken or unspoken, Mathematics remains the most famous language in the universe, though may be regarded as an unspoken language. I call it unspoken because no one/group officially recognizes or uses Mathematics as a means of communication. But notwithstanding, I define it as the only language being used by mankind in its day-to-day activity. Take for instance, someone can dwell without all spoken languages on earth since we have other languages or means of communication such as signs, telepathy et cetera, but no one can dwell without observing Mathematics as a language either knowingly or unknowingly. Thus, Mathematics which I call a language of numbers or numerals is widely observed/used by all and sundry. If you doubt me or if you are skeptical over my analysis/opinion, then kindly take a walk to any bus-stop close to you. I bet you; you will discover that even the touts speak Mathematics. In a nut shell, no one can run away from mathematics. It’s natural.

Despite the enormous value attached to Mathematics, it has been abused greatly by most of us including the so-called teachers/tutors of the subject. Go to most of our secondary schools; you will see that the subject is no longer considered seriously by the respective management of the schools. A high rate of apathy has been registered by both the students and teachers as regards Mathematics studies. Even those who have high interest in the subject have lately begun to decline in their acquired skill/enthusiasm due to lack of support or encouragement from their mentors, teachers, or relatives as the case may be.

Apart from the above, so many pathetic utterances are being dished out on a daily basis by several students. For instance, it severely beats my psyche whenever I hear a student say that he/she is reading or was reading Maths in the library. One can’t read or peruse over Mathematics. You can only solve Maths; there’s is no two ways about it.

Brethren, we all must reconsider the high importance of Mathematics in any societal growth or evolution and see how we can contribute our quota towards its promotion. The Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), concerned government agencies, stakeholders and prominent individuals in the society should from time-to-time issue an Award to any best performing mathematics students in our various schools which shall serve as a motivation. The schools on their own effort ought to ensure that any applicant to be employed as a Mathematics teacher/lecturer must be duly tested to ensure that he/she is equal to the task that awaits him/her.

Don’t forget, we all must continue to think in the right direction for this enormous challenge yielding these societal cankers to be duly overcome. And the ripe time to act is now. Think about it!

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FDN NWAOZOR

Social analyst & activist