Inter-tertiary institutions Mathematics competition ends

Accra, April 16, GNA - The grand finale of the maiden edition of Inter-Tertiary Institutions Mathematics competition, dubbed "The Mathelete" ended on Friday with students from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) emerging champions.

They took a trophy, certificates and GH¢3,000 as research grant.

Students from Kumasi Polytechnic came second and took home GH¢2,000 and a trophy, while students from Takoradi Polytechnic took the third position and had GH¢ 1,000 and a trophy while students from University of Education, Winneba took the fourth position.

Students from KNUST developed the theme: "Top-Up to Pension" to provide an add-on to the governments' new three-tier pension scheme, students of University of Education, Winneba delved into the development of Mathematical models to solve the problem of H1N1 Influenza.

Students from Takoradi Polytechnic developed models to deal with problems of Public Utilities and Regulatory Commission and students from Kumasi Polytechnics dealt with the energy situation in Ghana.

Professor Sitsofe Anku, President of Ghana Mathematics Society (GMS), congratulated the contestants for their hard work and research into exploring the dynamics of using mathematical equations to solve various socio-economic and health problems.

He explained that GMS launched the nation-wide competition out of which the four institutions qualified for the grand finale.

Prof. Anku noted that Mathematics played a crucial role in the daily activities of individuals and the nation's development.

He said there was the need to explore practical ways of making the subject interesting for students to be able to apply its principles to solve simple social problems.

Prof. Anku said the competition encouraged the contestants to select thematic areas of challenges and develop their own Mathematical models to find practical solutions to them.

He expressed worry over the large number of failures recorded each year by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) in the Basic Education Certificate of Examination (BECE) and West African Senior School Certificate of Examination (WASSCE) in mathematics, saying "this can greatly affect Ghana in her advancement in terms of technology and industrialisation."

Prof. Anku called for intensified collaboration between the Ministries of Education and Environment, Science and Technology as well as stakeholders to improve teaching and learning of Mathematics among students.

GNA