A university lecturer, Prof. Samuel Iyase, of the Department of Mathematics, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun state has underscored the importance of mathematics in the development of science education in the country.
Iyase said the low level of investment and underdevelopment of mathematics and science education at the foundation level, were reasons for the wide gap in technology education in the country.
In a paper: “Mathematics: A Platform for Leapfrogging into Scientific and Technological Advancement”, delivered at the 14th Inaugural Lecture of the university, Iyase described mathematics as a “catalyst to scientific and technological advancement”.
He, therefore, called on the federal government to invest in technology researchers with a view to attaining sustainable economic development for the country.
Iyase explained that the underdevelopment of the country and other African countries in science and technology was to some extent, traceable to the low level of development in mathematical sciences.
“Most developed countries devote a sizable part of their budget to education, especially for mathematical research,” he said.
Vice-Chancellor of the university, Earlier, Prof.
Aaron Atayero, who was represented by his deputy, Prof.
Shalom Chinedu, said that the inaugural lecture was timely and called on participants to proffer solutions to some of the nation’s challenges.