Mathematics: The Backbone of Progress
One of subjects I hate while in Secondary School is Mathematics (I still don’t understand that subject). Attending Math class was like punishment. No matter how hard I try, I still will not be able to understand or find X. I evade math classes and of course failed at first attempt (Senior School Certificate Examinations). I barely made a pass at second attempt. My dislike for Mathematics determined my choices I life. Any course that had to do with Maths, I avoided. Medicine, Engineering, Pilot, Architecture, Pharmacy and the likes, were out of my jurisdiction. I had always loved the big screen. The likes of Sienne Allwell-Brown, Ruth Benemesia-Opia, and Ronke Ayuba of the Nigerian Television Authority in the 80s and 90s, contributed largely to my choice of journalism. You can imagine my joy and relief when I discovered mathematics was not a determining factor.
With this background, you can imagine how elated I would have been if the initial announcement by the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Education, to remove Mathematics as a compulsory credit for Arts and Humanities students for tertiary admission, happened while I was in Secondary School. I also wondered why Mathematics has to be this difficult to understand. Now as an adult, I think otherwise and know better.
Mathematics is often called the universal language of science. It is the study of numbers, shapes, patterns, and structures, and it plays a vital role in almost every aspect of our lives. From the simplest daily tasks like counting money to the complex calculations that enable space exploration, mathematics is the foundation upon which many discoveries and innovations are built.
Now, I understand why maths is referred to as “Problem-Solving”. Mathematics trains the mind to think logically and systematically. It helps us break down complex problems into manageable parts and find solutions. Every scientific breakthrough, from physics to biology, relies on mathematical models and calculations. Technology, including computers, smartphones, and medical equipment, is built on mathematical principles. Mathematics is essential in managing money, predicting economic trends, and making informed financial decisions. The design of buildings, bridges, roads, and even the layout of cities depends on precise mathematical calculations to ensure safety and efficiency.
In our everyday life, whether it’s calculating cooking measurements, determining travel time, or understanding sports statistics, Maths is constantly at work. In Nigeria, mathematics is a core subject in schools and a requirement for many university courses. It is also crucial for the country’s development in areas like infrastructure, healthcare, and technology. Nigerian mathematicians and scientists continue to contribute to global research and innovation. Mathematics is not just about numbers; it’s a way of thinking that helps us understand the world. Its importance cannot be overstated, as it underpins advancements in virtually every field. Whether you are a student, a professional, or simply someone trying to navigate daily life, a solid grasp of mathematics opens doors to countless opportunities.
I recently read an article on a WhatsApp platform I belong to, on “The removal of Mathematics from the Arts and Humanities: a blessing or a setback for our educational system?” The text below by Alhassan Yakubu, is worth the read.
The removal of Mathematics from the Arts and Humanities curriculum, is a subject that provokes deep reflection on the true purpose of education and the balance between specialisation and holistic development. On the surface, one might view it as a blessing, a relief for many students who have long struggled with numbers, equations, and abstract logic that appear distant from their chosen fields of study.
Indeed, the arts and humanities thrive on creativity, expression, critical thinking, and cultural interpretation, areas where mathematical formulas seem to have little direct relevance. By removing mathematics, students may focus more deeply on writing, literature, history, philosophy, and the social sciences, thereby developing stronger analytical and expressive abilities in their disciplines. However, a closer look reveals that this decision could also be a curse one that may quietly erode the intellectual foundation of a generation.
Mathematics is not merely about numbers; it is a discipline that shapes the mind to think logically, reason systematically, and solve problems efficiently. These are universal skills that transcend subject boundaries. Whether one is a historian analysing population data, a philosopher examining ethical probabilities, or a sociologist interpreting statistical surveys, the absence of mathematical literacy limits the depth of analysis.
In the 21st century age dominated by technology, data, and evidence-based decision-making, cutting off Mathematics from any field risks producing graduates who are brilliant in theory but ill-equipped to engage with the quantitative realities of the modern world. Moreover, mathematics teaches discipline and precision, virtues that strengthen any field of study. It trains the mind to recognise patterns, question assumptions, and verify facts. The Arts, Humanities, and Mathematics are not rivals; they are complementary dimensions of human intelligence. The most profound thinkers in history from Leonardo da Vinci to Isaac Newton merged art and science seamlessly, understanding that creativity and logic are two sides of the same intellectual coin. Therefore, while the removal of mathematics may appear as a relief to some, it ultimately represents a loss to our educational system. It narrows the scope of learning and denies students the opportunity to develop a balanced intellect.
True education should not aim to simplify learning by removing challenges, but to empower learners to face complexity with confidence. Mathematics, in whatever form it appears, remains a bridge between logic and imagination and without it, even the most artistic mind may find itself limited in a world that increasingly values both creativity and analytical reasoning.
In conclusion, the removal of mathematics from the arts and humanities is more of a curse than a blessing. It weakens the holistic nature of education and risks creating intellectual gaps that future generations may struggle to fill. A truly progressive educational system should strive for integration, not separation for it is in the meeting point between numbers and narratives that true wisdom is born.
