Mathematics practicals in the South-east region
A university don in the Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Sciences of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN),Prof. Ugochukwu Osisiogu, has commended the smooth conduct and administration of the 2024_2 Science Practical going on in the South-east region.
Osisiogu disclosed this in an interview with the NOUN News correspondent, while monitoring the science practical holding in the South-east zone in Enugu State.
Osisiogu, while applauding the university management for its creativity of mounting up the mathematics practical, also described the institution as a pacesetter even as other universities will learn from her foresight.
She added that the students who are participating in the exercise were drawn from the study centres in the zone.
Commenting on its importance to students, Osisiogu said that apart from stimulating cognitive development, the exercise enhances their memory, attention and reasoning abilities, thereby impacting on academic performance across major subjects.
The professor asserted that it would enable them towards showcasing the practical relevance of mathematical principles and instil a sense of purpose and motivation in students, making the learning experience more engaging and meaningful.
She explained that mathematical skills are positively linked to technological proficiency in an era dominated by technology, adding that whether coding, data analysis or algorithms, students’ proficiency in mathematics prepare them better to navigate the digital landscape.
On her part, the Deputy Dean of the faculty, Dr. Maureen Nkedilim Chukwu, who also monitored the exercise in the region, said the exercise will enable them to have a better understanding of the subject matter.
“It is important to know that the B.Sc programme in science is not complete without science practical and as such all students must pass the practical before graduation,” Chukwu has said.
According to her, the application of the knowledge acquired from practical makes them better fit in real world situations, be it in the institution, factory or company that demands their service after graduation.
Chukwu added that the exercise makes them more equipped in the subject matter both theoretical and hands-on practical so that they can compete favourably with their counterparts from the conventional universities.