Maravi

Government deems math key to development

Government deems math key to development
By Edwin Mbulo in Livingstone
Wed 30 Nov. 2011, 13:20 CAT

ZAMBIA wants to promote mathematics research and teaching in an effort to get to the world advanced level of the 21st century, says Prof Nevelyn Willombe.

Speaking at New Fairmount Hotel in Livingstone during the official opening of 2011 Southern African Math-ematical Sciences Asso-ciation (SAMSA) conference, whose theme was 'The Role of Mathematical Sciences in Sustainable Development', Prof Willombe, who is education deputy minister, said mathematics was the key to all branches of science as well as a cornerstone of high technology and the symbol of civilisation.

"Zambia wants to promote mathematics research and teaching in an effort to bring them up to the world advanced level of the 21st century, education. Science and technology have evolved over the past century to unimaginable levels all over the world," Prof Willombe said.

"Space exploration, nuclear energy, computers and information technology and bio-engineering among others are all milestones that have marked a new era of information for mankind. Our social and economic progress now depends on scientific discoveries and innovation, of which mathematics is fundamental." Prof Willombe said mathematics is the language of the universe.

Mathematics tools and methods are used extensively in economics, medicine, agriculture, architecture, politics, art and all other fields of modern knowledge.

He said the Zambian government fully supports all endeavours to support the advancement of science and mathematics saying a series of programmes had been launched nationwide to promote basic scientific research, especially in mathematics.

"My ministry is already in the process of upgrading some tertiary institutions to university level, and it is my sincere hope that such conferences as this one will play a key role in the collaboration with these new institutions so that they improve their research and teaching standards to international levels," he said.

Prof Willombe also urged scientists and researchers not only to present hard-core mathematics but to also share opportunities and knowledge to transform mathematics education in Zambia and the region.

And SAMSA president Dr John Chikunji hoped that delegates would forge further ties with each other in areas of science and mathematics after the conference.

The 2011 SAMSA conference has been jointly organised by the Copperbelt University, University of Zambia and Mulungushi University.

Labels: MATHEMATICS

posted by MrK @ 7:03 PM