Teachers handling Mathematics in the state have been called upon to be innovative in their methods of teaching so as to make learning of the subject more interesting and profitable to students.

The Nasarawa State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mrs. Rebecca Isaac Umaru, made the call while inaugurating new executive members of the Mathematics Association of Nigeria (MAN) Nasarawa State chapter, at the Government Science School, Lafia recently.

Speaking through the Deputy Director of Schools (DDS), Mrs. Carolyn Angolo, said, “Mathematics being a compulsory subject in all school curriculum, and the mother of all science subjects, has become a vital tool in our everyday life”.

She urged the new EXCO to be hardworking, reminding then of the need to always organize seminars/workshops for mathematics teachers in the state to meet up with new challenges to enable the teachers in turn inculcate this new knowledge and ideas to their students.

Speaking earlier, the state coordinator of mathematics, Mrs. Christiana L. Akolo, highlighted some of the achievements made so far since 2001.

She said “primary school pupils have been given the benefit of writing a qualitative test on NCEM scheme, where they are handpicked for special schools.

Mrs. Christiana noted that the year 2007 marked a milestone in the history of improvement in science education, as according to her, the state won 7 gold, 7 silver, 6 bronze medals and 7 shields in different competitions.

She commended the state government and ministry of education for promoting the development activities of mathematics as a subject in the state.

In a post election speech, the newly elected chairman for the association, Mr. Useni Paul Fatiye, promised to work hand in hand with his team in order to achieve the desired goal.

He commended the state government for giving priority attention to the development of education in the state.

The association, which has three years to run its affairs, has Muhammad Yusuf as its vice chairman, Ayodele Oguntmehim, Secretary and Abegyr S. Yakubu as treasurer.

Others included Umbugu Joel Alhaji as financial secretary, Ano Danjuma as auditor, Uwelo Musa Eya as public relations officer, then Hassan T. Akanji and Jacob Oyah Ebula were to serve as assistant secretary and ex-officio respectively.

Highlights of the occasion included presentation of merit certificate to out-going exco and the state coordinator of mathematics.